[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6546239,"mediaKeyId","3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a","parentId",3796394,"title","City staff outlines Main Street projects, new development prospects and cottage‑court plan at Forest Parkway","audioSeconds",296,"startMs",2329000,"endMs",2625000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a&start=2329&end=2625","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a/thumbnail_2329000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6546239/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/City-staff-outlines-Main-Street-projects-new-development-prospects-and-cottagecourt-plan-at-Forest-Parkway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546239-66a72d2348b262fad22a872484b9d2fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047025&Signature=EWmnl0drryg7NETAI4cZHL9pJm2Iav-~muBtsnYPYSkTiSjYSTyIC~VpX7Zu0yGP80c6nT~mFEBPIfGKA1JC7~8pYSjgnGgZwlFcqI1SSjPpacZVpdulHfkUlMQJcpVbCvbm9sNPPD8lJpjf9Jsol09RG2j6tzfG12NR2hQhZfPxQpHNxBBuxUiFo5gnmWHhc0-yNsmfQvwltL~tiPH1o6H1FGm6T3Dp-Iv0ufc0YxfGHYRtpD7VmFBAraALmJuE6IfZ28lS3h9EZNiaiMj~SzD1nEUcKE149Hd7bNSJxKPaS9OQVNvvdldocRubq92tuCCRqwYYzo2ACQwSh4KpDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forest Park ","date","2025-06-12T22:49:19.28Z","article","Economic development staff gave the Urban Redevelopment Agency a broad update on downtown programming, public art and several private development proposals under review.

Staff described new designs for Main Street light‑pole banners and an upcoming public art call to repaint and brand roughly 26 planter boxes under a program staff called “Boxes in Blooms.” Staff also outlined a slate of upcoming events, including a Friday evening “refresh, sip and stretch” event and the return of the Blues on Main festival in October.

On development activity, staff said the Prestwick project at 7670 Main Street is now being marketed as the Florence On Main and that the developer has applied to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for funding; the board should expect an update within a month on that funding application. Staff also said land behind a Waken Foods site at Gillum recently sold and is being cleared for a project identified as Oakmont.

Staff said they are vetting four developers interested in a mixed‑use redevelopment of the shopping‑plaza parcel at 964 Main Street and that Aerotropolis has identified a catalytic site called Forest Station behind the Chick‑fil‑A along Jonesboro Road. A private developer has also expressed interest in a potential Aldi near Forest Parkway; staff said conversations are preliminary.

On housing policy, planning staff implemented a text amendment that allows an “urban village” development form, permitting cottage courts and tiny‑home cluster designs. Staff said they have an initial concept plan for a site on Forest Parkway and that consulting firm TSW will present design options at the July URA meeting.

Project Splash closing and possible data center use

Staff reiterated that Project Splash has closed; while the URA has received limited information about potential end users, there has been early discussion about a data center on part of the property. Staff cautioned that details are preliminary, that not all data centers are the same, and that legal covenants and protections would be considered if a data center proposal advances. A presentation to the Urban Design Review Board was scheduled for June 20.

Why it matters

The items discussed—downtown placemaking, new development proposals and zoning for smaller‑scale housing types—affect downtown economic activity, housing options and the URA’s role in catalyzing private investment.

Next steps

TSW will present Forest Parkway concept designs at the July meeting; staff will update the board on DCA funding for the Florence On Main application and provide additional information on Oakmont and other potential projects as it becomes available.

Ending

Board members heard the updates and asked staff to return with design materials and funding updates at future meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Urban Redevelopment Agency Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Economic development staff updated the URA on downtown events, public art plans, several development proposals and a text amendment allowing urban village/cottage‑court projects at a site on Forest Parkway.","taxTitle","Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia","taxId",55072,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546243,"URA approves $5,049.75 reimbursement to city for outstanding POA dues",98,464000,562000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a&start=464&end=562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6546243/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/URA-approves-504975-reimbursement-to-city-for-outstanding-POA-dues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546243-e7dc4da750154950c65d25e359f8d1ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047025&Signature=QgkQ2iveDhbNBsuF6YvWssJUZxnQ5bHrsIJ6lI52Z8Sv88g6tnkTyWxD0RzOfUEaTRD9W-tkvHRw5RP1nHlDVy9ip6tR7hXSEEKdDcqaq6aorfH16yIVgDgh-5Rk087Y1Ue8YNdhOMjNakznLCsted3p~X3qPnAGTG-rvinobcDYgKEtjbMEh5uEAphozYXanLHpU~zT8tEPPmbTh4uYYzxw0CDHXWQdFB-i9g6b57UHuRQb1WzTNXKRe7Lvb26FxGZClFnz4C0-fs9ZMwQDMK9E~JiSDQxsio8NyNl-k-akIQsxLu6LODi~dCgnaG1HdKPT9NjIj-4TzT7a6ZAjyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency voted to reimburse the city $5,049.75 to cover outstanding Property Owners Association dues tied to acreage the URA previously owned.

Staff explained the Property Owners Association (POA) functions similarly to an HOA for the logistics center and that the URA historically paid annual POA fees for the acreage it owned. As staff reconciled financial records, they identified unpaid POA charges and requested board approval to process repayment to the city.

A motion to approve repayment up to the POA amount was made by Avery Wilson, seconded by Elliot Lawrence, and approved by voice vote. Staff recorded the amount due as $5,049.75.

Why it matters

The payment resolves a specific outstanding obligation identified during a records reconciliation. Staff said the POA also contributes to public safety by providing $100,000 to the city general fund that supports two officers patrolling the logistics area.

Ending

Staff will process the reimbursement and provide confirmation to the board at a subsequent meeting.","The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency voted to reimburse the city general fund $5,049.75 for outstanding Property Owners Association dues related to acreage the URA previously owned.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546248,"URA discusses repairs, RFP and possible transfer of Gillum Logistics Center roads to city",141,799000,940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a&start=799&end=940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a/thumbnail_799000.jpg","/articles/6546248/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/URA-discusses-repairs-RFP-and-possible-transfer-of-Gillum-Logistics-Center-roads-to-city","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546248-a288fd84d5fc3c59bd083c0304282975/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047025&Signature=Xl9r5CVsDw9-4-wZX0bGgcUKIjmtTN3m6KnSRYhvDaNnhSEXtmZirONMp0lFqir6osJXYFXEn3leWmt9jm7llOm5yvQfkcL8OjodEKC8HAYDAOA~mVs6vbX5bJPnj3XAs8Xv2SicLSL9w0e4Q5kzSJ64By99CbnrZIW-kssoMaPljY~iSfh7RenAYfPpnf62jh2f3JIlUYRd54iXzdGDq5f~aREseRkHSQgrB9bEO0rUNEeAG~6b74Y67qPj~zXf50cLSsOTC-sjXRVyLKRpEgX0DvkFM5O3ZiC7zRGytV07bJCjtm~xoA12g~SajEnHYYe3znKmYbgTRjuvK0~pvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Park’s Urban Redevelopment Agency spent substantial time discussing road conditions at the Gillum Logistics Center and possible long‑term ownership changes that would allow public enforcement and reduce recurring repair burdens on the URA.

Staff said the board previously authorized the city manager to begin an RFP process for road improvements at Metcalfe and Flankers; procurement is preparing the bid package. Staff told the board they do not yet have a total cost estimate but expect a clearer number within about 30 days and asked the board to authorize adding money to the budget now to cover anticipated costs.

Board members described visible cracking and potholes and said Anvil Block is in comparatively good condition. They discussed a phased approach that targets the most deteriorated segments first to save money instead of repaving every road at once.

A second strand of the discussion examined whether some or all of the privately held roads in the logistics area should be deeded to the city. Staff and board members noted two practical effects: city ownership would allow Forest Park police to enforce speed limits and issue citations; it would also make the roads the city’s maintenance responsibility. The URA currently pays for right‑of‑way landscaping and the property owners association (POA) funds two officers through a $100,000 contribution to the city general fund.

Board members and staff said they will reopen conversations with the POA and coordinate meetings with public works and legal counsel to examine deeds and any conditions, including whether the URA would continue to pay a portion of annual maintenance costs. One board member suggested the URA cover 75–80% of the city’s annual maintenance cost as a cost‑sharing approach, but no formal action was taken.

Why it matters

Many of the roads in the logistics center are URA‑owned or privately held; the current ownership status prevents regular municipal traffic enforcement and creates an ongoing repair liability for the URA. How the board resolves ownership and cost sharing will affect future budgets and public safety enforcement.

Next steps

Staff will provide a more precise cost estimate for road repairs for the July meeting, continue procurement work on the RFP, and schedule follow‑up discussions with the POA, public works and legal counsel regarding potential deed transfers and cost‑sharing arrangements.

Ending

No formal vote was taken on transferring roads; the board directed staff to continue coordinating with stakeholders and return with cost estimates and legal options.","Board members discussed an RFP for road repairs at the Gillum Logistics Center, options for funding the work, and whether to deed privately held roads to the city so police can enforce traffic laws.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6546252,"Forest Park URA reviews draft FY2025–26 budget; finance director details sale proceeds and investments",2122,584000,2706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a&start=584&end=2706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796394-986a1e1dc69cc7b6070525e2f30a9b3a/thumbnail_584000.jpg","/articles/6546252/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/Forest-Park-URA-reviews-draft-FY202526-budget-finance-director-details-sale-proceeds-and-investments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546252-24fb98dc2c8d9773d755f5f323172209/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047025&Signature=BHlArX-n9K~pRjl1pEQAd4dCbSoCTYn~GBcMA7QpI66EV5u1meuLgRyclR-yO4-pSrzd3Bqfr3dAiJDSuI8r6ejZpm9dIdoJ6JNrySfHoQLzLx5lXxNf2cclQ0On9~GH98iQ~PbtGMvM33snT~jH-1HiGqXccNdGjCPie-jn0UyNWBwtX371D~v2fEWZsPjMBn06V3c3vklY7gE-cjSOo60Nts0dAqkCMhpovnYxU9~Xh3Dzq0Y28MJZ6GVzLHKeEUfNgc45h69ZN~xPgjSfJGzFqZz8dikb-0tnwrc8rcR3RpGPZ8J~c~uPp8LS38Ct8Q-qIWJ8Xf1faGLjeeJ6Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday reviewed a draft operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, discussed how a recent property sale changed revenue expectations and received a monthly financial report showing substantial investment income.

Board members were presented with a draft that largely mirrors the current year’s spending levels but reduces the budgeted sale proceeds previously anticipated from Project Splash. Staff said last year’s budget had assumed roughly $14,000,000 in sale proceeds; the draft for 2025 reduces expected proceeds to $5,000,000 because the Project Splash sale is largely complete. Finance staff later told the board the closed sale generated about $13,000,000 in proceeds.

The nut of the change is that without the larger one‑time sale proceeds the URA will not have the same one‑time revenue available in 2025; board members and staff discussed modest increases and decreases across operating lines to reflect that shift.

Finance Director Wiggins walked the board through the draft and monthly financial packet. Highlights staff pointed to included a reduction in the computer equipment line because iPads and related acquisition costs anticipated in the prior year are no longer needed; a $15,000 increase to consulting to cover a reported $9,000 overage; and a $40,000 increase to professional services to cover outstanding contracts and landscape fees.

Wiggins also summarized bank and investment activity. The URA moved a large portion of idle cash into the state investment vehicle Georgia Fund 1. The board was told roughly $30,000,000 has been placed in accounts, split into multiple holdings; one account balance cited was $17,397,002.98. The finance report noted $1,597,004.64 of investment income had been reinvested into URA funds in the period shown.

Board members also asked about contracted partnerships. Staff said the URA has a blanket purchase order for the Partnership for Southern Equity and that one recent check to that partner was about $10,500. Staff offered to provide an exact remaining contract balance to board members the following morning.

The board did not adopt the budget at the meeting; the document was presented as a draft and staff said they will return with updated figures, including a clearer estimate of costs for planned road repairs, at the July meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of the meeting agenda (removal of item 2; added draft FY2025–26 budget): motion by Avery Wilson; second by Elliot Lawrence; approved. (Transcript: “All in favor? Aye.”)
- Adoption of minutes as provided: motion reported as moved by Elliot Lawrence and seconded by Avery Wilson; approved with an abstention by Melanie Carter. (Transcript indicates an abstention.)
- Reimbursement to the city for outstanding Property Owners Association dues (see separate item): motion by Avery Wilson; second by Elliot Lawrence; approved (see separate article).
- Motion to go into executive session to discuss real estate and litigation: motion by Avery Wilson; second by Elliot Lawrence; approved.

Why it matters

The draft budget determines how the URA will fund operations, maintenance of URA‑owned rights of way and professional contracts. Changes in the timing and amount of one‑time sale proceeds affect both near‑term capacity for capital work and the amount of operating reserves invested for income.

What’s next

Staff said they will provide a refined number for road repairs tied to work at Metcalfe and Flankers and will return with an updated draft at the July meeting. Finance staff also offered to provide a full accounting of Southern Equity contract expenditures on request.

Ending

Board members did not adopt the budget at this meeting; the draft will be updated and revisited at the July URA meeting.","The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency reviewed a draft FY2025–26 operating budget, discussed reduced anticipated sale proceeds for Project Splash, and heard a financial report showing large investments in Georgia Fund 1 and reinvested interest.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City staff outlines Main Street projects, new development prospects and cottage‑court plan at Forest Parkway

URA approves $5,049.75 reimbursement to city for outstanding POA dues

URA discusses repairs, RFP and possible transfer of Gillum Logistics Center roads to city

Forest Park URA reviews draft FY2025–26 budget; finance director details sale proceeds and investments