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Cedartown wins $1 million ARC grant for performing arts center; officials highlight major employer expansion
Summary
The Cedartown City Commission announced a $1,000,000 Appalachian Regional Commission Phase 1 grant to renovate the Cedartown Performing Arts Center and noted a local employer expansion expected to add about 612 jobs; staff also flagged a 90‑day North Main bridge closure starting Jan. 14.
The Cedartown City Commission on Nov. 12 announced a $1,000,000 Phase 1 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund roof replacement, new theater seating and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center.
City staff credited local grant work for the award. "Oscar took the lead on applying for this grant and did great on convincing State leaders to submit this project to the federal ARC," the meeting record states, citing staff involvement in preparing and advancing the project to the federal program.
The award follows several other items raised during the manager's report. The city will host the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association district rec-soccer tournament for the first time this weekend, and officials announced the Cedartown Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 5 with an extended route beginning at South Main and Ellawood Avenue.
Officials also said the North Main bridge replacement will require a full closure beginning Jan. 14 for an expected 90 days; public safety and public works departments have been notified and staff said they will manage the anticipated traffic disruptions.
Commissioners also noted forthcoming work tied to a USDOT Thriving Communities Program trip. The commission said staff will delay next month's meeting one week so city representatives can attend a USDOT program in Washington, D.C., and begin work on a separate $90,000 USDOT grant to fund a Davis Road feasibility study.
Economic development updates were another focus. Commissioner Ryan Casey said Solarcycle is adding approximately 612 jobs to the area, and Chair Jessica Payton characterized the expansion as substantial for Cedartown's workforce and highlighted ongoing commercial construction at Lankford Corner.
The meeting record lists both Edward Guzman and Oscar Guzman in different places: Edward Guzman appears in the attendance listing while subsequent manager-report items are attributed to "Oscar" or "Oscar Guzman." The transcript uses Oscar Guzman when crediting the grant application and related project work.
The commission took no formal vote specifically on the Solarcycle announcement or the bridge schedule; those items were reported as part of the manager's informational report. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
