Newnan officials recently got a better idea of what the public wants to see in a proposed convention center for the county.

According to Main Street director Mary Jo Holden, residents are very concerned that a proposed convention center should follow strict architectural guidelines and green space requirements to help it blend in with the community.

Although attendance was sparse at a recent public hearing on the center, Holden said the residents gave members of the convention center board plenty to study.

One of the areas that need further study, residents said, was whether the center should be just a conference center or a full-fledged convention center. A conference center offers meeting and lodging space, while a convention center just offers meeting space, she said.

Holden said the manager of the local Hampton Inn urged that a convention center be built because there are already plenty of conference centers available in the county.

The public hearing on the project was the first step in a long process to determine the feasibility of a convention/conference center.

Holden said the board plans to do a needs assessment and cost analysis before making any decision. The next meeting of the convention board is Nov. 18 at the Carnegie Building in Newnan at 7 p.m.

In other news from Main Street, Holden will leave her position as director. While she has enjoyed the job, Holden said she was not aware she would have to deal with the media as much as she has.

The Main Street committee also announced recently the theme of this year's Christmas parade is “A Timeless Christmas.” Along with deciding on the theme, the committee announced that this year's Coweta Christmas ornaments had been designed and would soon be available at local retail stores.

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