Gray’s Downtown Development Authority members took a stand to protect the city’s streetscape while working to improve it at their July meeting.
The July 11 meeting was called to order by Chairman Sherri Rollins. The chairman began the meeting by reporting at the authority’s rental properties were doing well.
DDA Treasurer Cecil Ethridge gave the financial report, adding that the bank balance was $128,995.
Main Street Gray Manager Ashley Roberson said she completed Main Street 101 training at the beginning of June in Thomasville. She told authority members the 101 training they needed was being offered in Macon Aug. 22 or can be completed online.
Rollins said the resolution agreed upon by Gray DDA members at their previous meeting would be presented to the city council at its meeting later that evening. The resolution states the authority’s objection to the erection of a 250-foot communications tower that if constructed would be located near the beginning of the Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway that starts on Highway 11 in Downtown Gray.
The chairman asked any DDA members who could attend the council meeting in support of the resolution.
“The tower does not fall into the guidelines for downtown, and the chain link fence proposed to go around the base of the tower is not appropriate.”
Roberson gave information about the marketing of Butler Hall. She said she is still working on the Sweet Deal promotion with Cumulus Media. The manager said they are looking for an event planner to partner on the deal.
Roberson said three new bookings had been scheduled for Butler Hall since the last meeting in addition to an upcoming community event.
Rollins said the paving of the parking lot next to Butler Hall was scheduled to be completed that week, depending on the weather. She also announced that the Haskins Furniture properties had been sold.
In her Main Street report, Roberson said the Memorandum of Understanding between Main Street Gray and the City of Gray had been received. She said the agreement spells out the responsibilities of each party.
The manager said TikTok videos she has done of downtown businesses were being well received.
“The businesses are excited about them,” she said.
Roberson said the videos can be viewed on Main Street Gray’s Facebook page.
The manager asked DDA members to help with the naming of the Christmas festival scheduled Nov. 26. She said she is working on new banners for the streetscape. The plan is to start with basic banners and then move on to seasonal banners.
The meeting was adjourned to go into closed session to discuss real estate. The next DDA meeting is scheduled Aug. 8.
