Council approves $272,821 downtown TAD award to Hop Atomica; several routine votes pass

Statesboro City Council approved a development agreement to award $272,821 in Tax Allocation District (TAD) assistance to a downtown redevelopment project known as Hop Atomica and cleared several other routine agenda items at its meeting.

The TAD award, which council members approved by voice vote, will be used for private infrastructure and exterior improvements at 6 Walnut Street, in the South Main Street TAD. City staff summarized the project review process and committee recommendation; the council moved and seconded approval after an applicant presentation.

Smith Matthews, the applicant who said he and his brother are leading the project, described the scope and timeline. "This is our Savannah location," Matthews said. "The TAD support ... is going to enable us to establish what we feel will be a vibrant community oriented business, create a bunch of jobs, [and] contribute to downtown's economic growth." He told the council the requested funds would go toward exterior lighting, masonry repairs, a fence and handrail, a canopy, roof work, doors and windows, and sidewalk improvements. Matthews said the project has faced financing and…