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Economic development staff outlines Main Street events, business wins and pipeline of projects
Summary
Economic development staff reported upcoming Main Street events, a public art plan, several business expansions and a pipeline of housing and industrial projects, including potential relocations and a data center review process.
Economic development staff briefed the URA on a range of promotional events, business retention efforts and development activity across Forest Park.
Upcoming Main Street and downtown events listed included a morning yoga series (Up Early on Main) on Aug. 23 and Sept. 20, a Longest Table event on Oct. 5, and the annual Blues on Main with new attractions this year. Staff said new branded collateral, light pole banners and a ‘‘Boxes in Blooms’’ public art planter program will be deployed downtown.
Staff reported recent business activity and project updates: a ribbon cutting for the Extra Mile gas station on Jonesboro Road; prospective facility expansions from Russell Landscape; Maker Studio (shipping‑container homes and restaurants) exploring a fabrication site; and a possible headquarters/expansion by Matthews International that would include higher‑paid automated warehouse roles. The office is pursuing property leads for these prospects.
Smaller housing and commercial development updates included Carter on Main (32 townhome units) moving toward resubmission of updated plans, Carter on Scott (17 single‑family homes) with a pending land disturbance permit, MARTA OEM station demolition under way on Old Dixie, and Florence on Main (Prestwick development) awaiting DCA tax credit results. Digital Realty held a data‑center town hall; staff said further Urban Design Review Board steps are pending.
Staff also described workforce initiatives, including partnerships for job placement and a forthcoming job fair, and ongoing improvements to marketing materials, property “one‑pagers,” and the city website to better present available parcels. Staff said they will place new For‑Lease signs and update property collateral across URA parcels in the coming weeks.
