Downtown renovation continues to be a topic of discussion amongst Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) directors.
What began as an agenda item concerning a façade grant evolved into a broader discussion about downtown sidewalks and renovations around the immediate downtown square.
Jeremy May sought a grant for the removal and replacement of the sidewalk at 105 and 107 N. Main St., in front of the former Wingdingers Restaurant. May and his wife, Brittany, have completed extensive renovations to the building and its frontage.
May received a façade grant within the past year. According to QDC policy, a second grant cannot be awarded for at least 12 months. Director Chris Mason read the eligibility guidelines from the QDC policy during the meeting.
The discussion led into the next agenda item, which focused on the possibility of establishing Downtown Sidewalk Beautification Grants.
“We are very concerned with our needs downtown, especially the sidewalks. We are doing our best to make the downtown area as attractive as possible,” Board President Kevan Burroughs said. “We want to see our businesses grow and prosper and want to help when and where we can.”
Executive Director Allan Gilbert, who has served as city administrator for less than a year, echoed Burroughs’ sentiments.
“The thing I have heard most about has been the sidewalks downtown,” Gilbert said. “Not only do they not look good, they can be quite dangerous. We have a lot of senior citizens we need to make sure are safe when they walk downtown.”
The board took no action on either grant-related agenda item. Both will return for further discussion at the August meeting.
In a unanimous vote, directors approved donating the QDC-owned parking lot behind Rocking S&S Grill and the Breding Legal Center to the City of Quitman.
“We have been taking care of it for a long time. The city will be able to keep it cleaned and mowed. They are much better equipped to take care of it,” Director Brad Medlin said.
Property owner Scott Johnson addressed the board to seek feedback on the future development of two adjacent 1.5-acre tracts. He discussed several possibilities, including apartments, residential development, a technical college, and other business opportunities.
The board took no action on the proposed sale of property to McCauley Labels Inc. Stephen McCauley, who was listed on the agenda, did not attend the meeting.
Directors designated Gilbert and Treasurer Pam Bowdoin to prepare a proposed budget for presentation at a budget workshop before next month’s meeting. The budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 10 at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. QDC meetings are held at City Hall in the former City Council chambers.
In her president’s remarks, Burroughs congratulated and commended Gilbert and new Quitman Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Whitworth on the success of the July 4 Liberty Fest.
“There were a lot of people involved with making the day a success. Megan did a great job getting things together for the event,” Gilbert said. “We hope to have Liberty Fest annually and plan to make it bigger and better each year.”