Perry Selected to Participate in Downtown Renovation Program

PERRY, Macon (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, or GDCA, selected the city of Perry as one of 19 towns selected for ‘Georgia’s Main Street Start-up Program.’

“‘Main Street Start-up Program’ is all about growing Georgia’s downtowns, so that they are creating jobs and investments for Georgia’s communities,” says Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner of the GDCA.

Ultimately, the partnership between city and state is expected to help the Perry Downtown Development Authority increase the number of small business development, and devise a plan of action to attract visitors.

The city’s manager, Lee Gilmour says the city is in need of a new direction.

“What we’re hoping out of this grant is to give us some expertise and some guidance and suggestions in other areas to do some promotions that we get people coming not just from the Perry area, but from Warner Robins, from Macon and possibly from Atlanta to enjoy our downtown,” says Gilmour.

He hopes by the end of 2015, the city will gain at least 2,000 more residents and increase its number of visitors.

According to a release statement the Georgia Department of Community Affairs plans to focus on four main aspects to help Perry: the new downtown design plan, prospective businesses, promoting and marketing the city, and the people that will help make take these ideas to the next level.

Click here to learn more about the program.