Blues on Main, mural unveiling and several redevelopment projects highlighted

Staff gave an update on community events and ongoing redevelopment activity in Forest Park’s Main Street corridor.

The board was told the joint board retreat will be held Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff previewed changes to this year’s Blues on Main event — the program will be shortened to two headliners with a DJ rather than four acts; staff said the lineup is all‑female this year. Collateral materials and VIP sales are in progress.

A mural currently being painted on the Grapevine Building will have a grand unveiling scheduled for Sept. 10 at 10 a.m., staff said. Staff also reviewed property activity: the DDA sold 794 Main Street to the Georgia Utility Contractors Association and reported progress on the Prestwick (Florence On Main) 60‑unit mixed‑use project awaiting DCA tax credit confirmation (staff estimated high likelihood of award in October). The board also heard that the Governor's Terrace senior living renovation is pursuing bond inducement and could represent an estimated $16,000,000 renovation if tax credits are secured.

Staff outlined next steps for planning and zoning for container development in the Main Street arts-and‑entertainment overlay and said an RFP for 330 Forest Parkway developer interest will be released by year‑end. No formal votes took place on these items during the meeting; staff will return with required zoning or funding materials as projects progress.