Council approves enterprise zone; takes action on blighted property
By KIP BURKE news editor

The Washington City Council approved a proposed ordinance to create an Enterprise Zone for the Southwest Washington Redevelopment Program at Monday night's regular December meeting.

After reading the proposed ordinance for last month's meeting, all councilmen voted in favor of the ordinance to create an Enterprise Zone in southwest Washington's redevelopment area. The zone is a necessary step in creating a positive business climate in the blighted area.

In other action, the council approved a declaration of "a spot-basis slum" on a property on Whitehall Street for the purposes of the Georgia Community Development Block Grant program.

The council also approved the inclusion of updated 2008 construction codes into the city ordinance.

The council voted to have work resume on the design for a city water plant. Last month, the council approved a request to initiate the design process for the rehabilitation of the city's water system, but work had paused while Councilman Maceo Mahoney struggled to understand the city's contracting procedures.

City Administrator Mike Eskew told council members that a hearing on the 2008 city budget was set for Monday, December 19, at 9 a.m., at which time the proposed budget would be approved.

Eskew also said the Georgia Director of Homeland Security Charley English would be in Washington January 9 for the dedication of the Washington weather radio station. "We've been without local weather coverage for years, and [Fire Chief] Alan Poss has been working for years to get this updated," Eskew said.

(The radio station is now operational at 162.500 MHz - Channel 5 on most weather radios, Poss said.)

Tourism Director Ashley Barnett reported that Washington would be a stop on the 2008 Tour de Georgia. "This is huge for our city," she said. "They'll come on April 23, a Wednesday morning, and we'll be housing the entire tour staff here. We'll need the whole community behind us, and I'll be calling on lots of volunteers to help."

The past weekend was a big success, with the Christmas Tour of Homes, Candlelight Dinner, Christmas at Callaway, and Dickens Christmas Carol at the Toombs House, drawing in a good crowd that also brought shoppers to town.

Councilman Eaton agreed that the holiday tour and shopping weekend was "a huge success" for merchants downtown. She also pointed out that this was Councilman Ray Hardy's last meeting.

"I've enjoyed serving," Hardy said, "and I appreciate the people giving me the opportunity to serve, and I hope I made a difference."

For the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Board President Blake Thompson reported that Sunday's Christmas parade was a big success, with some 75 entries. He thanked all the participants and Washington police officers.

Finally, City Clerk Debbie Danner reported that city property tax bills would be going out this week. "Just in time for Christmas," she said.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
The Office Cat	2
Neighborhood vandalism is out of control	1
The Office Cat	1
Drug problem growing; little is being done	1
The Office Cat	1
Family escapes death in semi hit-and-run	1
Feed a family of four for $10 a week	1