As it was looking to begin work on a new Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the City of Hinesville was designated as a “Renaissance” community by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute. This designation brings support and resources from the university and the Georgia Municipal Association to assist with the creation of a new strategic vision and plan for downtown Hinesville.

“By using the knowledge and experience we acquired in the last downtown plan, we can hone in on the needs our city is facing today and will be facing in the next decade and beyond. I am confident this will help us shape a plan for the next 15 to 20 years; and we will continue to see success and positive progression in the future of downtown Hinesville,” Hinesville City Manager Ken Howard said.

The university staff will lead a Town Hall meeting seeking input from residents, business owners and operators and patrons regarding issues and opportunities for growth in downtown Hinesville. The public is invited to attend the Town Hall meeting March 4, from 6-8 p.m. in City Hall, 115 East M.L.King Jr. Drive.

There will also be opportunities to provide input via online surveys (www.hinesvillersvp.com), paper surveys and focus group meetings. Hinesville Downtown Development Director Michelle Ricketson is also speaking with groups to encourage participation.

“Building on the success of our 2004 plan, I am looking forward to working with a large number of citizens and members of the downtown business community on the new Downtown Redevelopment Plan,” said Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown.

"I'm excited!” said John Baker, HDDA Board Chairman. “This will give all of Hinesville an opportunity to tell us what they would like to see in their downtown as we go forward."

“This project is important, because downtown is important to the city,” said Steering Committee member Sabrina Newby.

Members of the local Steering Committee for the Downtown Redevelopment Plan are Melissa Carter Ray, Roger Jones, Shonda Mickel, Tom Ratcliffe, Cathy Thomas, Newby, Baker, Brown, Howard and Ricketson.

For more information, call 912-877-4332 or email mricketson@hinesvilledowntown.com.