Council backs Chamber trade mission, OKs street abandonment and authorizes downtown development documents

The Carrollton City Council on May 5 voted to support a Chamber of Commerce trade mission delegation and to move toward a memorandum of understanding aimed at sister-city status with Spaltto, Italy. Council members also approved related downtown development steps — abandoning a portion of North Cliff Street and authorizing city staff and the mayor to execute documents for a master-development agreement.

Chamber and city presenters said the trade mission will include five to six local businesses, city delegates and University of West Georgia representatives meeting with Spaltto officials and business leaders to explore economic and cultural exchange. A chamber speaker asked the council to "vote to just support the city's delegation in entering into conversation with the officials of Spaltto" with the potential for a memorandum of understanding to formalize sister-city status; the council approved the request by voice vote.

On downtown development, city staff described Resolution '0525 to abandon a portion of North Cliff Street to make room for a future pedestrian walkway linking a proposed mixed-use development, hotel and conference center. The council adopted the resolution unanimously. The council also authorized Mr. Brooks, City Attorney Melissa Griffith and the mayor to execute necessary documents to implement the master agreement for the property west of the art center; a motion to grant execution authority carried by voice vote.

Councilmembers described the actions as early implementation steps in a multi-stage downtown redevelopment and said future site plans and agreements will return for council review as needed.