Villa Rica council approves feasibility study for proposed community arts center at 206 North Avenue

The Villa Rica City Council unanimously approved a resolution on July 14 directing staff to conduct a feasibility study and develop a conceptual plan for converting city‑owned property at 206 North Avenue into the Villa Rica Community Arts Center. The resolution, moved by a council member and seconded before a unanimous voice vote, does not commit the city to construction but requires staff to report costs, operational requirements and funding options before any future decision.

Support for the arts center was a major theme of the public‑comment period. “A cultural arts center would provide a dedicated space where children, teens, adults and seniors could create, learn, perform and connect,” said Victoria Brum, who testified that she teaches children’s art camps through Villa Rica Parks and Recreation. Resident Kelly Young Silva, who described herself as operating an acting studio and a statewide nonprofit, urged councilmembers to include performing‑arts programming and grassroots outreach in planning.

Mayor (for the record) announced that the study will examine cost, operations, funding opportunities and long‑term community benefits. The resolution identifies parcel ID V0S-003-0012 (about 0.2 acres) as the proposed site and directs staff to present findings, recommendations and an implementation plan to the mayor and council for final approval.

Council members framed the vote as an information‑gathering step. One council member said the study was intended to “help the council understand cost, operation needs, funding opportunities and long‑term community benefits before any future decisions are made.” The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will execute the feasibility study and return with a report and recommendations for council review and public discussion.