Winder Downtown Development Authority Looks at Improving Storefronts, Making One Way Street

• Who met: Winder Downtown Development Authority
• Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
• Location:
• Top business discussed:

1. Update on Winder’s downtown façade project
   Chairman Mike Rice discussed the use of the remaining 2011 budget for the beautification of downtown Winder business storefronts. The authority has $23,295.54 remaining from its annual budget of $25,000, which must be spent by the end of June. The Lanier Awning Company of Gainesville will provide awning replacement for several businesses, including Security Finance and the Robson Building. Various companies have been commissioned to paint building exteriors. Winder-based Trim-co Exteriors will replace the down spouts on the gutters of several businesses. All work should begin within the next two weeks. The cost of the projects will be covered by the city, because the amounts do not exceed the $3,000 limit previously set for each business.
2. Proposal for East Athens Street project
   City Planning Director Barry Edgar proposed turning a portion of East Athens Street into a one-lane street for one-way traffic to alleviate parking issues downtown. According to Edgar, the parking spaces between North Broad and Park Avenue do not allow adequate space to keep vehicles out of the line of traffic. He also expressed a concern for the accommodation of emergency vehicles. The planning department is looking to “think of every scenario, every business and if there is any reason not to do it,” he said. The authority briefly discussed potential obstacles for the project, such as the need for clear signage notifying oncoming traffic of the switch to one-way passage and the potential issue of increased traffic on Candler Street if this plan were put into effect. The Winder Planning and Zoning Board and city council would also be involved in the decision concerning Edgar’s proposal.
3. Demolition of Granite Hotel
   Chairman Rice discussed with Edgar signing the application for the demolition of the Granite Hotel in order to move forward with the city’s plans for the site. Rice committed to signing the application on behalf of the downtown development authority after the meeting.
4. Summer movies in Jones Park
   Chairman Rice asked Waldsmith to spearhead efforts to begin a summer movie series in Jones Park. The plan is to offer free admission but allow local groups to charge for concessions of the event.

The next meeting for Winder’s Downtown Development Authority will be held at 11 a.m. July 19 at the Winder Community Center.