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The
Design Committee
is actively
involved in
creating a
master plan
for Downtown
Blairsville. Its
goal is to revitalize
the designated
area by creating
an atmosphere
that is inviting
to everyone.
The
Design Committee
has worked on
cleaning up
the Downtown through
various projects
including the
Great American
Clean-up. Some
projects are
as simple as
placing plants
in front of
a building.
Larger projects
include adding
awnings and
seating. Although
these are all
small undertakings,
the results
have been very
positive. There
are a number
of building
owners that
are now seeking
input on what
they can do
make their buildings
more appealing.
The
Design committee
submits the
overall desires
of each building
owner to the
design team
at the Department
of Community
Affairs who
then creates
a rendering
of what the
building could
look like.
Once
a design is
agreed upon,
action begins. Getting
bids on the
work, picking
colors, fixtures,
and signage
is a start.
The process
is sometimes
slow,
but the results
are worth it.
The DDA and
Design Committee
assist the property
owner whenever
requested to
do so. Some
owners have
a clear vision,
right down to
the planters
in front of
their building.
Others are unsure
and request
assistance every
step of the
way. Design
processes such
as picking paint
colors can be
a difficult
task, and many
times 2 or 3
colors will
be put up as
samples.
Renovation
can be costly. The
DDA offers assistance
in obtaining
low interest
loans and finding
matching grants.
Many owners
will renovate
in phases so
as not to stretch
the purse strings
too much.
The
Design committee
is also helping
develop plans
for the square
area.
More green space,
more gathering
places, more
parking, more
trees, and crosswalks
are considered
important elements.
If
you would like
to be a part
of “history
in the making”,
contact Janet
Hartman at 706-994-4837.
We would love
to have you
join our Design
Committee!
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