John Baxter

The board reviewed updates on outstanding facade grant allocations and approved a reimbursement request for Duke's Wine & Spirits. Key discussions included the establishment and operation of the local Main Street board in conjunction with the Authority, the review of 2026 Transformation Strategies for the Main Street Workplan, and signage proposals for the Thomaston Exchange. Additionally, the board received updates on ongoing downtown development projects and legislative impacts on redevelopment efforts. An executive session was conducted to discuss real estate and personnel matters.

The commission reviewed and approved an updated Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application, planned to be submitted for city council approval. The meeting included a discussion on potential updates to the local Historic Preservation Ordinance, with members encouraged to research peer communities for examples. Additionally, the commission discussed an upcoming NAPC webinar on preservation organizations and received an update on the progress of HB 376 concerning Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

Key discussions centered on the status of outstanding facade grant allocations, including an update on reimbursement for Duke's Wine & Spirits and clarification regarding an anticipated request from St. Mary's AME Church. The board unanimously approved a Facade Grant Request from Salter Sisters for their properties on N. Church Street, not to exceed $3,587.50, which covers window replacement and exterior painting. The board discussed the Downtown Redevelopment & Retail Merchandising proposal from Terra Alma, agreeing to revisit the subject after executive session. Updates were provided on ongoing projects such as the Thomaston Exchange, Lee Street Parking Lot, and Downtown Pedestrian Safety & Streetscape Improvements. During post-executive session actions, the board authorized the Economic Development Director to discuss downtown real estate matters with the County Manager and instructed him to review and streamline the Terra Alma contract proposal.

Key discussions included a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) request for Hayley's Bath & Body at 202 W. Main Street, resulting in approved stipulations for door signage and window display decluttering. A COA for Avi's on Main at 108 E. Main Street was approved, covering exterior repairs and the addition of a blade sign, with placement discretion left to the property owner. A COA for the buildings at 110, 112, & 114 N. Church Street was approved, detailing plans for exterior trim painting, new gutters, and window replacement, utilizing the DDA Facade Grant. The commission reviewed and requested clerical edits for the updated Certificate of Appropriateness Application, noting that the HPC Ordinance fines revert to the city's general ordinance maximum of $1,000.00. A review of the proposed HPC Ordinance revision was initiated, with committee members assigned to lead the edits, with a goal of presenting suggested changes to City Council by year-end. Other items involved rescheduling the March meeting to March 9th, updates regarding an anticipated master plan process with university students, pursuit of the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) program for Downtown Pedestrian Safety and Streetscape Improvements, and updates on two National Registry proposals, including expected feedback on the Lee District application.

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the agenda following the approval of the previous month's minutes. Key discussions centered on Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) requests. A COA for window signage, door repainting, and door signage at Hayley's Bath & Body was tabled until the next meeting to allow the owner to refine branding with assistance from the UGA Small Business Center. A COA for a new blade sign at Fat Joe's Burritos was approved, bringing the property into compliance. A COA for St. Mary's AME Church for building repairs related to significant runoff and water intrusion issues, which could compromise the foundation, was approved. The Commission also reviewed and provided edits for the updated Certificate of Appropriateness Application and discussed reviewing the current HPC Ordinance over subsequent meetings. Additionally, it was noted that students from the UGA College of Environment & Design would be working on a master plan for the East Thomaston Redevelopment area.