The Sandersville Main Street is being recognized as the statewide Georgia Main Street of the Month.
Started in 1980 as an original pilot state for the National Main Street Initiative, the Georgia Main Street Program has grown to serve over 100 communities throughout the state.
The Main Street approach encourages communities to enact long term change, while implementing initiatives in the short term, that are inexpensive, place-based, and attracts people to create a sense of enthusiasm and momentum in their community.
Main Street believes this approach is most effective when residents have a strong emotional, social, and civic connection to the community and works best when existing assets – such as historic buildings and local businesses – can be leveraged.
The Sandersville City Council first adopted a resolution supporting the establishment of a Main Street initiative in October of 2020. The program started in February of the following year under the instruction of former Sandersville Economic Development Director/Main Street Manager Andrew Simpson and a 7-person Board of Directors.
The original Main Street Board included Katie Moncus, David Gordy, Gail Wiley, Diana Giang, Eddie Mae Miller, Kari Wilcher, and Manzie Broxton II.
Current Main Street Board Members include Chairperson Gerri Brantley, Vice Chair Katie Moncus, Ashley Garin, Parrish David, Alex McAfee, Quanntae Brinson, and McKay Brown.
To serve, individuals must either be a resident of Washington County, a downtown property or business owner, or a member of the National Main Street Center.
“Sandersville is full of scenic back roads, outdoor recreation opportunities, and friendly faces making it a destination for locals and travelers. Our Main Street Program has helped enhance those qualities – adding concerts, movie nights, art shows, and festivals,” said Carson Daley, Sandersville Downtown Development/Main Street Program Director. “Over the last year-and-a-half, our program has seen a huge uptick in community involvement and the city has seen an influx of new businesses.”
Continuing the goal of creating a “destination community,” Sandersville has been awarded the title of a ‘Classic Main Street.’
Recently, the program has awarded over $6,000 to local businesses and helped support the local Façade Grant Program.
“Our vision for Sandersville is a downtown brimming with activity in a beautiful setting with well-preserved, lovingly restored, fully utilized historic buildings. It includes a thriving retail and restaurant district, ample parking, easy access to walking trails, and entertainment – a place where people of all ages come to shop, dine, work, and live,” said Director Daley. “We are committed to promoting respectful conduct, equitable service, and diversity in our community – working to keep Downtown Sandersville vibrant while also preserving its historic heritage.”
The Main Street Board meets at 8:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the Sandersville City Hall building. Meetings are open to the public.