Forest Park City Council approves Kroger easement and discusses workforce development program

Forest Park's Urban Redevelopment Agency made significant strides during its recent meeting on March 13, 2025, focusing on financial management and community development initiatives. A key highlight was the approval of an easement agreement with Kroger, which has been under negotiation for nearly a year. This agreement will facilitate access to Fort Gilliam, enhancing local infrastructure and supporting future development.

In financial discussions, the agency reviewed the status of a $30 million loan taken for the city center project. Officials confirmed that funds are currently held in Georgia Fund 1, which has grown to approximately $4.3 million due to reinvestments. The agency is strategically using revenue from the 2021 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to pay down this debt, with expectations that the loan will be cleared by the end of the SPLOST period in 2027.

Economic development updates included a partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Clayton State University, which is offering consulting hours to local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with various educational institutions to launch the Elevate Workforce Development program, aimed at assisting individuals from local shelters in securing employment. This initiative has already garnered interest from major companies like Georgia Power and Clorox.

Looking ahead, the agency is also preparing for a St. Patrick's Day event, set to take place from 5 PM to 9 PM, promising community engagement and entertainment. Furthermore, discussions about potential mixed-use development in downtown Forest Park indicate ongoing efforts to revitalize the area.

The meeting concluded with plans for a racial equity training session, scheduled for March 29, aimed at fostering inclusivity within the community. Overall, the Urban Redevelopment Agency is actively pursuing initiatives that promise to enhance the quality of life for Forest Park residents while ensuring sound financial management.