Thomaston DDA: $12.08 million reinvested in 2025; façade grants supported 11 projects

Taylor Smith, Economic Development Director for the City of Thomaston, told the Downtown Development Authority on Jan. 15 that public and private entities spent $12,082,320.89 in the DDA district in 2025. "In 2025, $12,082,320.89 was spent by Public & Private entities within the DDA District," Smith said.

Smith also reported on the DDA Façade Grant Program. "The DDA Façade Grant Program had reimbursed 11 projects for $49,982.46, with a total investment of $168,635.52," he said. The program’s reimbursements, he said, are intended to leverage greater private investment in downtown building rehabilitation and storefront improvements.

Smith identified several projects by address and estimated timelines: he said he had spoken with the owner at 614 N. Center Street and anticipated that grant closing would occur in February; the 106/108 W. Main Street project is expected to finish in February or March; work at 216 Railroad Street and 532 N. Center Street is expected later in the year. "I have spoken to Mr. Duke at 614 N. Center Street and anticipate that grant closing out in February," he said.

The figures Smith presented were part of a broader DDA update that also reviewed the board’s authority, bylaws and conflicts-of-interest policy. The board approved routine business at the start of the meeting — the Dec. 2, 2025 minutes and the Jan. 15 agenda — before receiving the financial report. Ivy Jacques joined the meeting at 8:33 a.m., after the opening approvals had been completed.

The DDA did not enter an executive session and adjourned at 10:28 a.m.