Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency staff on Oct. 9 reviewed a series of economic development items including upcoming community events, several development projects and efforts to connect local contractors to forthcoming construction contracts.

Director Dennis summarized events: the second annual "Blues on Main" concert scheduled for Oct. 10 with multiple bands and a VIP area; a scarecrow contest on Oct. 15; and a "Pawtoberfest" pets-and-Halloween event on Oct. 25. Staff said the city has installed a new Main Street sign and plans to deploy property signs advertising sites available for sale or development in the Main Street district.

On projects, staff noted progress on Cherry Street (six single-family homes under construction by Technique Concrete Construction), a spec building on 22 acres purchased by Canal at the Blue Star property (clearing visible near Anvil Block/4242) and a complete renovation and new headquarters at 564 Main Street for a local roofing company. Staff said they are coordinating demolition and construction contracting with larger projects to maximize opportunities for Forest Park businesses and residents to serve as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Staff said MARTA-related demolition work will generate hundreds of contracting opportunities and that some demolition subcontracting work could involve roughly 200 contractor roles; end-user operational jobs were estimated at fewer than 100, staff said. A subcontractor open house for the new city administrative complex is scheduled for Oct. 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; staff urged board members and Elevate partners to help push the outreach to local firms.

On housing, URA staff said the city applied to the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH). Staff described a site visit by the GICH selection committee earlier in the week that concluded with a tour emphasizing housing conditions, and said the committee indicated it might issue a decision the following day. Staff asked for continued support in the event the city is accepted into the program, which staff said would support housing assessments, strategic housing plans and other tools to address blight and housing needs.

No formal board action was taken on the development updates; staff requested the board's help publicizing upcoming outreach and contractor events and said they would share finalized flyers and event details electronically.