Forest Park unveils plaza revitalization plan to upgrade aging shopping centers along Jonesboro Road and Main Street

Forest Park planning and community development presented Dec. 1 a multi‑departmental plaza revitalization plan that inventories 35 commercial plazas and outlines steps to improve facades, signs, parking, landscaping and pedestrian access across priority corridors: Downtown Main Street, Jonesboro Road, and Forest Parkway/City Center.

Savon Irons Komasa, principal planner, described a four‑phase approach beginning with a 90‑day framework and citywide 'playbook' that sets consistent expectations and site‑plan triggers; phase two focuses on owner outreach and establishing a Jonesboro Road owners roundtable; phase three moves to on‑the‑ground implementation (downtown façade and signage 'sweeps' and quick‑fix landscaping), and phase four showcases city‑led pilot projects and targeted code enforcement on the top centers to drive compliance supported by incentive options such as facade grants and matching funds.

Department directors outlined roles: planning will conduct inspections and consolidate site plans, economic development will pursue an incentive toolkit and a vacancy database to recruit tenants, public works will coordinate GDOT corridor opportunities and right‑of‑way improvements, code compliance will launch a 60‑day signs/maintenance blitz, and the fire marshal’s office will continue plan review and life‑safety inspections.

The presenter said the plan aligns existing city codes and design guidelines, offers immediate visible improvements via pilot projects and seeks to use city‑owned properties as quick‑win demonstrations to encourage private owners to invest. Council members praised the interdepartmental collaboration and asked staff to provide timelines and outreach details.