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Thomaston downtown board approves $3,587.50 façade grant, defers Terra Alma proposal for revision
Summary
The Thomaston Downtown Development Authority voted unanimously Feb. 19 to award a $3,587.50 façade grant to the Salter Sisters for work at 110–114 N. Church St., asked staff to trim a Terra Alma redevelopment proposal and authorized the economic development director to coordinate with the county manager on real estate matters.
The Thomaston Downtown Development Authority voted unanimously on Feb. 19 to approve a façade grant of $3,587.50 to Gina Means and Rachel Ash (doing business as the Salter Sisters) for repairs and exterior improvements at 110, 112 and 114 N. Church Street.
Economic Development Director Taylor Smith presented the application, which listed expected expenses of $7,175 for a window replacement at 112 N. Church St., repainting of exterior trim across the three buildings, and the addition of gutters. Chairwoman Catherine Baity moved to approve the grant “not to exceed $3,587.50,” a motion seconded by Nancy Lowry and carried unanimously by the board members present.
The vote was one of several procedural actions at the meeting: the board also approved the Jan. 15, 2026 minutes and adopted the Feb. 19 agenda. Later in the meeting the board entered an executive session to discuss real estate and personnel; after reconvening it authorized Director Smith to discuss downtown real estate matters with County Manager Lonnie Joyce and instructed him to revise the Terra Alma contract proposal to remove any services that duplicate resources already available to the board.
The board reviewed a Downtown Redevelopment & Retail Merchandising proposal from consultant Terra Alma and discussed associated costs during the meeting. Chairwoman Baity suggested the matter be revisited after executive session; the board agreed and gave staff direction to pare down the contract before returning it for further consideration.
Smith also outlined proposed Transformation Strategies for the 2026 Main Street workplan—Beautification Initiatives & Design; Business Activation & Development; Transportation & Pedestrian Experience; and Tourism—and said he will distribute one-page summaries of each strategy so board members can prepare to discuss goals at the March meeting.
In other business Smith updated the board on ongoing downtown projects including the Thomaston Exchange, Lee Street Parking Lot improvements, and downtown pedestrian safety and streetscape work. Smith also announced upcoming Georgia Downtown Association regional meetups; Angie McGill, Nancy Lowry, Darren Day and Glenn McCary said they plan to attend the May 5 meeting in Hogansville.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the Jan. 15 minutes (mover: Mayor Pro-Tem Troy Chaney; seconder: Angie McGill); adopted the Feb. 19 agenda (mover: Nancy Lowry; seconder: Darren Day); approved the Salter Sisters façade grant not to exceed $3,587.50 (mover: Catherine Baity; seconder: Nancy Lowry); entered executive session to discuss real estate and personnel (mover: Catherine Baity; seconder: Nancy Lowry); authorized Director Smith to consult with County Manager Lonnie Joyce on downtown real estate (mover: Darren Day; seconder: Angie McGill); and adjourned the meeting (mover: Nancy Lowry; seconder: Troy Chaney). All recorded motions carried unanimously by the members present.
The board will consider the revised Terra Alma proposal and will review strategy one-pagers at its March meeting; Duke's Wine & Spirits is scheduled to seek reimbursement for a prior façade grant at that meeting as well.
