By Stephanie Johns   
Staff Writer

Members of the Downtown Development Authority are focused on Phase I of the train depot project, which includes moving and stabilizing it.
The DDA plans to move the historic Continental of Georgia depot from its current location to a space across the railroad tracks.
As part of this phase, the DDA also plans to build a replacement building for the Norfolk Southern railroad company.
DDA member Everett Royal said they will ask the company for any necessary easements such as for temporary construction and landscape maintenance easements, and offer them a stormwater easement in return.
When the power lines go underground, DDA also will give Georgia Power an easement.
He stressed that at this time the DDA only plans to do what is necessary for depot stabilization.
In the next four to five months they will build the necessary street, he said.
DDA Executive Director Monica Callahan later explained that the DDA will replace the necessary section of the street as Town Walk Circle will be moving over about 18 feet.

In other news:
• The DDA will hold a Town Hall meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 7 at St. Paul’s AME Church.
• Main Street Director Ann Huff shared a sample brochure detailing costs for renting Town Park for weddings and receptions. The city will take over the park from the DDA in April.

Printed in the February 28, 2013