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The city of Hogansville discussed at Monday night’s city council meeting creating a special entertainment district during city events. 

City Manager Jonathan Lynn presented the city with two different map options. One would include downtown and Commerce Street from the intersection of College Street to the intersection of Church Street and also the intersection of Church/Commerce to E Main Street.

 The other option did not include the connection of Commerce and E Main Street. 

Both options would include the district stopping at the Depot on the end of Main Street, so that no one with alcohol could walk across the train tracks.  

Lynn explained that an entertainment district would allow locals and visitors to walk around city-approved events with open containers and alcohol. 

The city discussed looking over the maps and creating an ordinance at a later date. 

The council also received information regarding the reversal of the one-way on College Street. 

Lynn said that in order to improve traffic flow, the city is looking to reverse the one-way traffic pattern that is currently in place. 

“This one way was put into place about 15 years ago,” Mayor Bill Stankiewicz said. “The decision was made at the time to make College a one way, and put in parking spaces. That was to accommodate the business that was there.”

Currently, there is no way that traffic can travel west on Commerce and exit back onto Main Street without either making a U-Turn or traveling through the residential portion of College Street.

Lynn said the reversal of the one-way traffic on College Street will have traffic be able to turn left on College Street from Commerce will both eliminate the U-turns as well as prevent unnecessary traffic through residential areas. 

He added that the existing parallel parking spaces on College would remain in their current location and not be impacted outside of traffic pattern. 

The city will review a map and plan at the next scheduled city council meeting to decide on how to make the reversal work. 

Also, during the meeting, Lynn announced that Georgia Wholesale Company out of Newnan has relocated and moved into the old Piggly Wiggly building, 

The store is a wholesale supplier of customer returns, closeouts and overstock merchandise from leading department stores, manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. 

The city also approved and discussed several other ordinances during the meeting including the following: 

-The second reading and adoption of a tree ordinance that adds the protection and preservation of trees. The ordinance says the planting of new trees and other landscape material as part of the land development process is a public purpose and provides for the public health and general welfare. 

-The council approved several more items to be labeled as surplus equipment that will be sold at the city auction on May 15. 

-The council approved a bid from Piedmont Paving for site and security improvements at Lake Jimmy Jackson, including re-stabilizing the beach area, installing permanent components to prevent future deterioration of the area, ADA ramp installation, extending boat launch paved gangway, and installing security equipment for park monitoring. The cost for that project is $397,380.50 and is funded through the SPLOST parks and recreation budget. Lynn said that the project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.