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Forest Park DDA approves repairs, lease and concept design work as part of broader redevelopment push
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Summary
The DDA approved $7,000 in electrical repairs at 819 Forest Parkway, authorized leasing Suite B for $2,250/month, and approved staff to solicit architectural concept drawings for several DDA properties including 4987 East Street and 868 Forest Parkway; staff also previewed multiple redevelopment projects and the Grapevine culinary incubator groundbreaking on March 6.
The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority voted Feb. 26 to approve repairs and leasing at properties it owns and authorized staff to pursue architectural concept renderings for multiple sites as part of a broader redevelopment effort.
Property manager Ivory La Day updated the board on multiple maintenance issues at 819 Forest Parkway (the Little Caesars shopping plaza). Staff described wiring and lighting problems discovered after a tenant vacated and said Georgia Power was involved for the electrical work that required outside contractors to finish fixture, transformer and sign repairs. The board approved a motion to proceed with electrical repairs estimated at $7,000; a roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the present members.
La Day also said Suite B (about 1,500 square feet) is listed at $2,250 per month. After discussion about comparable rents in Forest Park and Clayton County, the board voted to approve the rental at $2,250 per month.
Earlier, staff reported progress on a parcel split for 4987 East Street, explaining that the DDA owns both a renovated single‑family residence used for workforce housing and an adjacent commercial lot that fronts Forest Parkway. A completed survey will allow Planning and Community Development to split the parcel into two IDs; staff will seek rezoning so the house can be designated RS (residential single‑family) while the Parkway lot remains commercial. Board members discussed parking, ingress/egress and potential uses such as small professional services or short‑term pop‑up retail to incubate new businesses.
The board also authorized staff to solicit architectural concept drawings for 4987 East Street and 868 Forest Parkway (a vacant former Food Mart), including exploring whether adjacent undeveloped land could be incorporated into a redevelopment. Staff pledged to return with three quotes and proposed costs before retaining any firm.
In the economic development briefing, staff previewed a packed events calendar, including a March 6 groundbreaking for the Grapevine culinary incubator (the former Rite Aid next to the Little Caesars plaza), a Taste of Forest Park event April 3, and a World Cup watch party June 21. Staff also discussed ongoing redevelopment opportunities at sites including 751–771 Main St, 794 Main St and a 60‑unit mixed‑use low‑to‑moderate‑income proposal for 76770 Main St (the contract was amended to allow the developer to reapply for Department of Community Affairs tax credits).
Staff provided an update on Fort Gillum (aging former military housing), saying property managers are on site, critical infrastructure repairs (sewer, mold, roofing) are underway, and the board is beginning conversations about potential master redevelopment with an emphasis on attainable housing.
The board took votes to approve the repairs, lease and to authorize staff to pursue design concepts; staff will return with cost proposals and developer concepts for future board consideration.
