Funds for facelift for downtown Winder approved

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Funds for facelift for downtown Winder approved

Posted by

Mike Buffington

in Winder Archives

Thursday, June 23. 2011

Comments (7)

Downtown Winder will be getting a face-lift over the next month or so, as part of the continuing “Façade Project” funded by the City of Winder Downtown Development Authority. At its June 21 meeting, the authority approved the expenditure of up to $23,000 to be spent on awning repair and replacement, downspout work and exterior painting on some of the more blighted buildings downtown.

The funds will come from the $25,000 per year the City of Winder budgets for the DDA. According to treasurer Mace Strickland’s report, the DDA has a current balance of $23,295 and since that money must be spent by June 30, which is the end of the city’s fiscal year, the authority unanimously agreed to begin acting on bids already received to get the work done.

Strickland reminded authority members they had voted to approve spending the funds at a prior meeting, so all they were agreeing to do before June 30 was put the wheels in motion to get the actual work done.

Chairman Mike Rice said the only out-of-town contractor to be hired was Lanier Awnings, the company that installed the original “Façade Project” awnings some time ago. Since no local business provided awning work and repairs, he said, the authority decided to “go with them,” but was “tying hard to spend as much money as possible locally.”

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#1 Random Anonymous Person on 06/23/11 at 07:05 AM [Reply]

Winder's problem has many faces, but the appearance is its most visible. This is a good start.

#2 mark my words on 06/23/11 at 08:19 AM [Reply]

And just where does this $25,000 DDA money come from? It comes from US...the taxpayers!

A little paint and a new awning here and there don't mean a dang thing and is just a drop in the bucket! Why not force the people who own blighted properties, like the old Pet Milk site to clean them up or pay a big fine to fund the DDA that pays only to clean up/tear down abandoned buildings. Winder looks awful and May Street/29 and Broad Street from 316 to the hospital is just a mess.

How about, Fix Up Or Get Out!

#2.1 Random Anonymous Person on 06/23/11 at 09:18 AM [Reply]

I've got a better idea. Make a list of owners for all the worst buildings (http://qpublic.net/ga/barrow/)and take the list to the next city council meeting to demand that they do everything they can to make the owners pay before asking tax payers to cover it.

#3 Odins Eye on 06/23/11 at 09:55 AM [Reply]

My opinion,

Winder should convert some of these old buildings into artist studios and lofts.
Offer them at a discounted renatl rate to qualified artisans.

Then 4 times a year hold seasonal arts festivals..say downtown and at Fort Yargo.
The buildings get occupied...tourists come to town and spend their money.

Just a thought.

-Gangari

#4 Anon on 06/23/11 at 02:37 PM [Reply]

I live downtown and don't really feel like cutting my grass this week. Who can I call with the DDA to get them to come do my yardwork for me? TIA

#4.1 Anonymous on 06/24/11 at 04:23 PM [Reply]

Too Funny...Do you think that would work for me, cause I could quit paying the lawn company and feel just fine with it.

#5 Samsue on 07/06/11 at 12:30 PM [Reply]

Last time the DDA got funds --- improvement $ went to Mike Rice, his family, and his cronies personal properties to increase their value. Check out the awnings on Rice's downtown building and the awnings on his daughter-son-in laws ex house in Hidden Court! Way to go Mikey and friends!!!

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