Commerce, City of

The City Council meeting addressed several key items including the State of the City address, the purchase of real property, and an extension to the moratorium on demolition applications for buildings and structures built prior to 1960. The Council also considered resolutions for easement acquisitions for the Grove Creek WPCP project, discussed street and parking lot closures for the upcoming Art-Tique Festival, approved an agreement with Buckhead Capital Management for investment advisory services, and formally adopted the City Investment Policy.

The monthly board meeting included the presentation and unanimous approval of financials for the DDA and Civic Center. Key old business involved discussing various upcoming events, including Boo Fest's success, the Window Contest winner, Market on Broad expansion plans, and the Sugar Plum Stroll tree lighting. Building updates were provided for properties at 1736 N Broad St, 41 State St, 29 State St, and 1730 N Broad St. Under new business, the board discussed reappointment requests for three board members and reviewed applications for new members. A proposal for a 'Bloom Bar' (florals and coffee shop) at 12 Pine St was presented, with the DDA supporting the project pending lease review. The board also discussed planning sessions for 2026-2028. A presentation was made regarding a request to host monthly 'Nerds U' wrestling events in the parking lot, which the board tabled pending confirmation of downtown business sponsorships due to current mid-year budget constraints.

The meeting was called to order, but ultimately cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The agenda items listed for discussion included the approval of financials, a staff report covering the Ribbon Cutting for Harmony Grove Park, Spencer Park, Boo Fest, Window Contest, Market on Broad expansion, and various property renovations/leases along State Street. New Business included planning for the 2026 Work Plan. Discussion covered the Pine Street building. The document also listed various upcoming events and reminders for November and December.

Key discussions for the meeting include proposed street closures and parking lot closures for the Art-Tique Festival, which is anticipated to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 attendees. The Council is set to consider an agreement with Buckhead Capital Management (BCM) for investment advisory services and the adoption of a City Investment Policy. A recommendation for awarding the bid and contract for Ridling Field Renovations Phase 2 to WL Griffin LLC for $676,808.30 is on the agenda, pending City Attorney review. Other items involve the Jackson County Elections Polling Place Agreement to move municipal elections, the Jackson County Sheriff's Housing and Contract, an application for a retail beer and wine license, and a rezoning request (PR25-0013) for property at 170 Cardiology Place from R-1 to C-1, as well as the adoption of the Official Zoning Map. A work session item notes a rezoning discussion with A.J. Purcell regarding 170 Cardiology Place.

The meeting agenda included the annual election of officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) with proposed amendments to term limits and voting procedures. Key new business involved the adoption of the Official Zoning Map for Commerce, Georgia, reflecting amendments through February 2026. The commission reviewed a rezoning request (PR25-0013) for property at 170 Cardiology Place from R-1 to C-1 to align with long-standing commercial use and surrounding zoning. A preliminary plat request (PSP25-0001) sought to change the development name from Whitemill Village to Hillstone Preserve, including updating street names. Approvals were granted for an annexation (PAX25-0003) for the Commerce City School district parcels, and a Conditional Use Permit (PC25-0002) for commercial indoor recreation. The meeting also included the introduction of a new Planner, discussions regarding the Historic Preservation Ordinance Working Group, and updates on Game Machine Ordinance and Jackson County Text Amendment matters.