What does the future hold for Senoia’s Downtown Development Authority?

That was one of the questions the Senoia City Council tackled Monday night during their regular meeting.

For months, officials have been debating whether to extend the boundaries of the downtown development district. If the district is enlarged, the development authority would have a larger area to shape as growth washes over the city.

But, if the district were reduced, some officials believe the authority would be able to focus on a smaller area and get more things accomplished in a smaller area.

City Administrator Richard Ferry said another option would be turning the authority into a full-fledged development authority.

“That would allow them to own land for the purpose of selling and developing it,” he said.
Ferry said the city would also have to consider how it would fund a beefed-up authority. An authority has the power to tax and a small millage charge could be added to each business covered in the district.

City attorney Drew Whalen also noted the city could specify the district as an urban development authority, which would allow the city to apply for even more low-rent loans and grants.

Development Authority Chairman Joyce Smith told the City Council that with all the growth that is anticipated in the area, it may be time to hire a part-time manager to oversee the growth.

With all the questions swirling around the authority, the City Council instructed the Downtown Development Authority to decide on boundaries and what the function of the group should be and report back to the council. The City Council and authority will then have a joint workshop to decide what direction the group needs to go.

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