The September DDA Board meeting was upbeat and positive with high expectations for Blairsville’s downtown district. Economic Restructuring Committee Co-Chair Beverly Jackson and Project Manager Janet Hartman gave reports to the seven member board.

Recruiting new business to the downtown area is one of the main goals of the DDA. Beverly and Bobby Jackson are continuing their search for out-of-town businesses that might be appropriate for our area. The Jackson’s recently visited Murphy, North Carolina, where they canvassed retail establishments on Main Street and other busy side streets. “We decided to look closer to home after our trip to Watkinsville. We’re gathering information, getting ideas, and trying to find the perfect businesses that would compliment our town.” Beverly did add, as everyone knows, parking is an “issue” for all downtown businesses and will have to be dealt with at some point in the future.

Janet Hartman was next with reports on the recent choice of sourwood trees for Earnest Street, the downtown merchant’s meetings, the upcoming newsletter, the website’s new features, and the upcoming SEBA Bluegrass Festival. She unveiled the Promotions Committee t-shirt that will be sold at the festival and board member Mary Ruth Cook held it up for the camera. Short sleeve shirts will cost $10 and long sleeve shirts will be $15.

Hartman also told about a recent Department of Community Affairs visit. These officials were very impressed with the many accomplishments of the DDA volunteers. “Our talented volunteers and board members work hard,” says Hartman. “We get credit for the time they contribute and are keeping track of hours.” She went on to explain that the DDA gets points for design projects, too. An example is Jeanette’s Flowers. All of the downtown renovation is accounted for and reports are made monthly.

During the meeting, the board discussed proposed sign guidelines for new businesses. W.C. Nelson voiced concerns, “These guidelines, if they became an actual ordinance, are restrictive in regards to size and height. This could deter new corporate business.” The board agreed to use the guidelines as a tool for gaining experience and postponed asking the City Council for an enforceable ordinance. Jim Williams added, “This is a starting point. What we’re looking for with these guidelines is feedback.”