Edward Guzman

This Redevelopment Plan for Cedartown, Georgia, focuses on establishing Tax Allocation District #1 along the Martha Berry Highway corridor. The plan's primary objective is to support commercial development, including the expansion of retail options and the construction of a new grocer, by utilizing the Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding mechanism. It aims to attract private reinvestment, enhance local infrastructure, and generate substantial fiscal benefits for the City of Cedartown, Polk County, and Polk County Schools, thereby fostering economic growth, increasing the local tax base, and creating employment opportunities.

The Cedartown City Commission meeting included public hearings regarding the rezoning and conditional use for a property on Adamson Road, intended for a convenience store/gas station. The Commission also recognized employees of the year and longevity awards. Discussions covered the library renovation project, the Lankford Corner completion, and traffic data impacted by the North Main Street bridge closure. The Commission approved a major change to PD-1 zoning for property on Davis Road, the rezoning of Adamson Road, a conditional use request for a convenience store/gas station, the purchase of fleet vehicles, beer and wine package licenses, and ratified a lawsuit related to a landfill. An executive session was held for legal and real estate matters.

The Cedartown City Commission work session addressed several key items. The commission approved the use of Turner Street Community Center and Park for the annual Turner Street Community Reunion. A presentation was given on the Cedartown tree inventory and a storm mitigation plan. Revisions to the alcohol ordinance were discussed, focusing on the distance between liquor package stores. The GDOT Road Safety Audit findings were reviewed, highlighting the need for sidewalk replacements, redlight upgrades, and corrections to pedestrian crossings. The commission also entered an executive session to discuss real estate matters.

The action plan for the City of Cedartown focuses on eliminating roadway fatalities and severe injuries through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Key areas of focus include identifying high-risk corridors, analyzing crash data, and implementing safety measures to protect all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The plan emphasizes community involvement, equitable outcomes, and data-driven decision-making to create a safer and more accessible transportation network.

The meeting addressed several key issues. A Redevelopment Powers Resolution (#2, 2025) was approved, along with a lease agreement with CASA at One Door Polk. Discussion included tiny home regulations, prompted by a potential manufacturing plant's interest in the city, and upcoming fleet vehicle purchases (a Chevrolet Silverado and a KIA EV9) to be considered in the February meeting. An executive session was held for legal and real estate matters.