Not Just a Faade

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Macon Telegraph
August 30, 2001

By Gray Beverley
Telegraph Staff Writer

FORSYTH - With all the remodeling going on here, a visitor might think the city is getting ready for the president or a Hollywood movie. Actually, the new awnings and shiny paint jobs sprouting up around Forsyth's historic district are meant for everyday folks.

The makeover is part of the city's Better Hometown façade grant program, which has taken off in the last few weeks. Businesses in a designated area that wish to replace a sign, put on a fresh coat of paint or complete just about any exterior improvement can apply for up to $500 in matching grants from the city.

Diane Crosby, who was hired in May as director of the city's Better Hometown Program, said a design committee reviews proposals to make sure enhancements are in keeping with the historic feel of Forsyth. Though courthouse square will not be lit up like Times Square, some of the 15 applicants approved so far have been quite creative.

Lee Smith, for example, is using available money to renovate the horseshoe pits outside his business that have been home for the past six years to the Monroe County Horseshoe Championships. Hoping outdoor activities will triumph over Nintendo, Smith leaves horseshoes outside for anyone passing along North Jackson Street to use, free of charge.

Smith's improvements, including concrete platforms and new grass, should cost about $800, with the grant paying half. Smith said the program is progressive, because while the entire city will benefit, business owners can decide for themselves what they need.

"Anything that improves the downtown area helps everybody," said Crosby, who described her work aiding businesses and preserving historic buildings as a dream job. Crosby, who grew up in Savannah and has lived in Forsyth about nine years, said the renovations should attract new businesses and tourists.

Forsyth is among seven communities in Middle Georgia and 52 statewide to be designated as a Better Hometown. Byron, Eatonton, Hawkinsville and Monticello have joined Forsyth in starting a façade grant program.

According to its website, the Better Hometown Program offers technical and design assistance to cities under 10,000 in population to "improve quality of life through sound planning and implementation by community stakeholders." Funding for façade grants comes from the participating local governments.

Forsyth City Council set aside $10,000 this budget year for matching grants of up to $500 each. Once the design committee approves a proposal - Crosby said all have been approved so far - reimbursement can be made within a couple of weeks. The application is less than a page, and design assistance is available.

Walter and Tonia Mays had already painted, installed tiles and done other renovations to their business on East Johnston Street before they knew about the grants. Nonetheless, Walter Mays, 52, said he is appreciative for the city's matching grant, which should cover at least a third of the cost of a new awning. (The city will reimburse up to $500 on an approved project, but there is no limit on the total amount paid by the business.)

Lamar Russell of Russell Pharmacy installed a new awning Wednesday, something he said he probably would not have done without the matching grant. Russell, who also serves on city council, said the façade program should do a lot to revitalize the city. The program will probably be continued next year. "We hope this is just a step in the right direction," said Russell. For more information about the program in Forsyth, call (478) 994-6226.

To contact Gray Beverley, call 744-4494 or e-mail gbeverley@macontel.com.