By Eric Naccarato
KENNESAW, Ga.- The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority discussed plans to reinvigorate projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the nationwide shutdown earlier this year, returning to normal has not been an easy task for local governing bodies. The KDDA discussed the logistics of resuming operation and handling of COVID-19 related issues in their monthly meeting on Oct. 13, 2020.
The KDDA’s main goal with this meeting was addressing refunds for an event that was indefinitely postponed. The Kennesaw Beer and Wine Festival was originally scheduled to take place on April 23, but was delayed to Sept. 26 due to the lockdown before being canceled outright. Tickets were selling for $35 each, and due to the event’s cancellation the city is refunding anyone who purchased their tickets in advance. According to KDDA chairman Mark Allen, some of the payment’s they are having to refund go back to 2019.
“These people already paid assuming there would be a beer festival this year, so this is not something that we would normally see. In fact I don’t remember a time we’ve actually ever done that until now.”
The meeting also addressed the “sensitive topic” of certain buildings on the downtown strip that do not match the aesthetic the KDDA is trying to promote. Specifically, KDDA member Leslie Stienly described the south end of Main St. as “rundown”, and implied that these buildings may have “significant” property maintenance issues that put them in violation of city ordinances. The land alongside Main St. is valuable real estate, which makes it attractive to outside investors.
Member Luke Howe stated “I know that some developers have shown interest in it, but that’s as much as I can say at this point.”
While the KDDA could not share specifics, member Miranda Taylor says there are actions being taken against these businesses that may be operating in violation.
“You know we can’t share the details, but we can at least share that yes a citation has been issued, or they’re going to court or they’re in warning or whatever the status may be.”
Another of the meeting’s main talking points concerned the economic development on Moon Station Road, which is located right off of Main St. Development was cleared to begin here in late March, but since it coincided with the coronavirus shutdown was delayed until September. The city of Kennesaw has signed a contract with RKG Associates, an economic planning consultancy firm, to establish strategic economic development plans that are to be implemented from fall 2020 to summer of 2021.
The KDDA also informed their members that their Downtown Development Authority training has been made virtual in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Members of the KDDA are required to undergo eight hours of training every 12 months in order to stay eligible. Historically this training is done in person, but now it is being undergone through on demand modules. This online course can be completed at the member’s own pace, so long as it is completed by the end of this calendar year.
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