Latest news with #DecaturDowntownDevelopmentAuthority
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Decatur announces start of $8.5 million City Square transformation project
The City of Decatur is moving forward with its $8.5 million effort to transform the City Square as part of the city's 'Town Center Plan 2.0.' On Thursday, officials from the Decatur Downtown Development Authority and the City of Decatur will hold an 11 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-phase overhaul of the town center. According to the groundbreaking announcement, the event will be a 'Square ShakeUp' to kick off the expansion of the downtown area and the town center's green space. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'While the current version of Decatur Square has been a fixture in our city for nearly 30 years, the needs of our community have evolved,' Angela Threadgill, the City of Decatur's Assistant City Manager for Community & Economic Development, said in a statement. 'After extensive conversations with our residents and local business owners, it became clear changes were necessary to support the type of programming that keeps Downtown Decatur vibrant.' Officials said the changes coming to the square are key to the 2.0 plan, which the Decatur City Commission adopted in 2023. As part of that plan, the city announced the bandstand would be demolished in January ahead of the reconstruction project. TRENDING STORIES: Woman testifies in Atlanta murder trial of her twin sister who murdered ex-boyfriend 'I was so happy': VA restores local vet's disability benefits after Channel 2 investigation Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in an apparent suicide during a police chase, authorities say Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach was at the square last week ahead of the demolition, where officials said the bandstand would be destroyed to make room for green space and a large stage for outdoor concerts. Funding for the project is coming from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in DeKalb County and is expected to take about 10 months to finish. The goal of the project is to be complete and reopened before June 2026 when the FIFA World Cup is hosted in Atlanta. 'When considering this project alongside some of the other initiatives undertaken by the City – especially our small business improvement grants – we hope it sends a clear message that we aren't resting on our laurels when it comes to making Decatur the best it can be for all stakeholders,' Threadgill said. Access to the Decatur city Square will be open during the construction project, with only certain parts closed for construction. Officials said as parts of the project are finished, access will reopen, and that while here isn't a specific timeline yet for the next phase of the Decatur Square transformation, it will include an outdoor pavilion, splash pad and extra seating and amenities for residents and visitors. More information on the project is available online here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Decatur approves $116,000 in grants for small businesses
The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority announced another round of recipients for their small business improvement grants, this time approving $116,000 for 13 businesses. According to a city and authority representative, the businesses were awarded as part of grants from the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant (CFIG), Commercial Building Improvement Grant (CBIG) and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grant (MDCG). In July 2024, $200,000 was allocated for the program, and $84,000 is still available for applications. The application window ends on Feb. 7. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'As we open 2025, it's the perfect time to reveal the substantial investments we are making through our extensive grant programs,' Conor McNally, DDA chair, said in a statement. 'We saw a record number of approved applications in this latest round, and the most obvious sign of buy-in is how many entrepreneurs utilized multiple programs to truly transform their businesses in the new year. With our second application window now open, we look forward to more opportunities to showcase the DDA's commitment to our small business community.' According to a representative, grants cover up to 75% of any approved project, with the businesses themselves responsible for the rest. The different program options have different contribution limits as well. TRENDING STORIES: Officer placed on leave after being accused of sexual assault, GBI investigating Man with knife tries hiding in north Georgia motel, bites deputy arresting him People with hacked SNAP accounts are out of luck after federal program expires 'The CFIG and CBIG allow for minimum contributions from the DDA of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000, while the MDCG has a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,500 for approved projects,' a release on the grant awards said. Officials said that once projects are approved, they're required to start within six months and be finished within 18 months, as long as they're consistent with the City of Decatur's permitting process. Here are the grant awards that have been approved through the various programs so far: Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $3,207 for exterior painting and new signage The Chapel on Sycamore, $6,690 for exterior lighting and safety lighting Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar, $10,000 for a complete façade renovation Little Shop of Stories, $10,000 for façade reconstruction O'Sullivan's On The Square, $9,439 for replacing wood framing and a new front door $8,453 for an exterior mural and bike rack Takumi Cuisine, $592 for the installation of new electrical signage Sharian Rugs, $8,662 for new lighting for their showroom Smiley's Burger Club, $10,000 for new masonry for bathroom and patio seating area 547 East College Avenue Automotive, $7,500 for a new awning and lighting Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $6,525 for interior painting tied to a new restaurant concept Fawn Wine and Amaro, $10,000 to complete the interior buildout for a new restaurant and bar concept Rebel Teahouse, $5,550 for refinishing, resealing and staining Smiley's Burger Club, $10,000 for a bathroom addition to meet city requirements Float Atlanta, $1,875 for the creation of a demo video touting the benefits of float therapy Kelly's Market, $2,500 for a brand refresh and website maintenance O'Sullivan's On The Square, $1,875 for a social media campaign touting them as a lunch destination Smiley's Burger Club, $2,500 toward a new website to process online orders [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
