To meet vision for a 'vibrant' downtown, Guyton leaders establish a development authority
As growth takes shape in Guyton, City Manager Meketa Brown is thinking ahead regarding the town's small-knit community feel. Those thoughts prompted her to create a Downtown Development Authority to advance growth opportunities throughout. The DDA was established May 9.
“There’s just so many opportunities out there and the area around the town is going to grow,” said Brown. “Once we identify properties, we can begin to talk to potential business owners in that sector to come to Guyton. We may also look into annexations down the road down on Georgia 119.”
Guyton Mayor Russ Deen said the move is significant as it allows for more purchasing power.
More: With new 100-home subdivision, businesses on the way, Guyton is ready for growth
“The DDA can be also used for restoration of everything that's in their district and the DDA district,” said Deen.
The team will work alongside city officials to determine future projects but Deen is hopeful small businesses will take advantage of the opportunity.
“We don't have to have every retail big box store,” said Deen. “The downtown district is an opportunity to have small boutiques and it's nice to have a few restaurants so that way you can stay local. You can have a mom-and-pop restaurant like Southern Kafe. It’s nice to have things like the ice cream parlor that just opened up and yes, I think ice cream is a necessity of life.”
The downtown district will run from the city limits on U.S. 17 north to south and Georgia 119 east to west. The newly formed group will also have the ability to work on grants and beautification projects. According to Deen, some of the older homes in the community used to be vacation homes for Savannah residents. Deen hopes to preserve them.
“I want to maintain the historical integrity of our town,” said Deen. “We're just trying to keep it the same while encouraging beautification.”
The city is working on a 15-year comprehensive plan to detail what the future of Guyton will look like.
“When we finish the comprehensive plan, we will be able to see what we need for our downtown area,” said Brown. “Our citizens did a survey on the internet we put up where they can go in and answer questions about what they want to see and what they do not want. Our plan is almost ready to go to DDA for approval.”
Central Boulevard will be the focal point, including a streetscape and additional parking, as officials look to foster a vibrant downtown area.
“Hopefully DDA can apply for some facade grants so different business owners can apply for those grants and do improvements to their streets and maybe even expand the sidewalks,” said Brown. “Maybe we can add bistro tables and chairs where people can sit out there and have a cone of ice cream or eat at the restaurant down there. The town is going to grow. It won’t be fast. We want small, measured thoughtful growth but we have to take advantage of those financial instruments.”
Editor's note: Guyton residents can submit suggestions and feedback regarding future developments to meketa.brown@cityofguyton.com.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: guyton's downtown development authority will accommodate growth
