Sunday, January 7, 2023–3:38 p.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

The Rome City Commission will welcome two new members on Monday.

Harry Brock and Wayne Robinson will be sworn in by Floyd Superior Court Judge Jack Niedrach during the caucus session which begins at 5 p.m. in the Sam King Rome at Rome City Hall.

Incumbents Jim Bojo, Mark Cochran, Bill Collins, and Craig McDaniel, who were all re-elected, will also be sworn in.

During the regular meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the second-floor commission meeting chambers, the commission will elect a new mayor and mayor pro tem with City Attorney Andy Davis presiding.

Mayor Sundai Stevenson lost her re-election bid for city commission in November.

Commissioners will then reappoint City Manager Sammy Rich, who will make department head appointments.

Public hearing regarding North Broad redevelopment area also on Monday’s agenda

The Rome City Commission will hold a second public hearing on Monday regarding the proposed North Rome Redevelopment Plan.

The boundaries for the North Broad Redevelopment Corridor consist of more than 1,700 parcels, and a smaller area consisting of 22 parcels near the Varsity could be the next Tax Allocation District.

Under a TAD, any increase in property taxes stemming from improvements would be funneled back into the project for a set number of years.

“You may recall we have had conversations about the possibility of a new Hilton Home2 Suites hotel that has expressed an interest in this particular redevelopment area,” said Rome City Manager Sammy Rich during the first public hearing in December. “That necessitates the need for us to continue to move this forward.”

The City of Rome has been working with its consultant, the KB Group, for several months on the plan, which has evolved during that time. Initially, a Tax Allocation District was envisioned for an area from CVS on Turner McCall, northward to North Avenue, and east to Gibbons Street. However, it was determined to be too large and complex, making it much more difficult for city staff to keep track of. So, it was decided it would be less complicated to have a large redevelopment area that would include smaller TAD areas.

You can view the plan here.