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Forest Park updates redevelopment projects and expands film-friendly program
Summary
Staff reported progress on URA repairs, catalytic site identification, pending sales and restorations on Main Street, sale contract signing for a Gooka expansion parcel, and steps to make the city more film friendly after a recent three-day shoot.
City staff provided multiple economic development updates covering URA repairs, pending development submissions to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), renovation progress on Main Street properties and steps to make Forest Park more film friendly.
Staff said the Urban Redevelopment Agency is working on road repairs at Gillum, a planned URA boundary expansion and identification of a catalytic site on Forest Parkway at 330. The development authority reported that the Prestwick development at 76770 Main Street has submitted required DCA materials and staff expect a funding decision in July.
Restoration on Main (formerly 850 Main Street) is in final renovation stages: staff reported the upstairs ballroom will remain, five mini suites are about 80% complete, and a café space has been built. A potential tenant, Drip and Dough, which previously operated as a mobile coffee/pastry vendor, is conducting due diligence for a brick-and-mortar move.
Staff also reported that the development authority signed a contract today to sell a lot next to 794 Main Street to Gooka (the Georgia Utility Contractors Association) for an expansion of a training facility; a staff member referred to Mr. Freeman as having signed the contracts.
On workforce and business retention, staff said they have bridged notification gaps with WorkSource Georgia so the city will receive layoff alerts going forward.
On film and production, staff reported Forest Park hosted its first film shoot in April at the Forest Park jail (a three-day production). The city is working with Blue Star Studios to list film-friendly locations and is developing a registry for private homes and businesses that want to be available as film sites. Staff also described an emerging partnership with Clayton State University's film program and outreach to local businesses to identify film-related services such as catering and dry cleaning.
Board members asked clarifying questions about school partnerships and internship pathways; staff said they will pursue conversations with Clayton County Public Schools and with Blue Star Studios to explore student pathways and internships.
