Ace Savido, a resident and chairman of the city planning and zoning commission, used the DDA’s public-comment period to press for action on Larry’s Garage and to propose swapping properties to keep City Hall within walking distance of downtown businesses.

“I believe Larry’s Garage is an old building, and not a historical building,” Savido said, describing the structure as deteriorated and noting the city’s $900,000 financial commitment to the property, while the county’s assessment lists a lower value. “Most of the recommendations…from the citizens is tear it down. It’s an eyesore,” he said, citing roof and brick problems and frustration about stalled renovation.

Savido proposed swapping the city-owned parcels associated with the proposed City Hall and police station on Peachtree (including a gravel parking lot, the Mulberry House and the Blankenship property) so the park and civic functions would remain adjacent to downtown retail and restaurants as the city grows. He argued that concentrating civic uses near the downtown core would help sustain local businesses as population expands along State Route 53.

A DDA representative responded that the DDA had recently signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for the 52 Broad Street property and was in early planning stages, but that parcels such as Mulberry and Peachtree are under the mayor and city council’s authority, not the DDA’s.

Jason Martin, a resident who identified himself as a volunteer, voiced support for the DDA’s downtown work and offered to help with events and ideas.

No formal action on Larry’s Garage or any property swap was taken at the DDA meeting; the board noted the limits of its authority and that council action would be required for any property transfers or municipal facility relocations.