HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20180427_MainStreet.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Chantel Morton
For immediate release Development Authority/Main Street Executive Director
(912) 472-5071
cmorton@cityoftybee.org
TYBEE ISLAND RECEIVES ACCREDITATION AS A GEORGIA EXCEPTIONAL MAIN STREET COMMUNITY
Tybee Island, GA (April 27, 2018) – The City of Tybee Island has been accredited and recognized as a 2018 Exceptional Main Street Community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs
(DCA). Tybee Island is one of only sixteen Georgia Main Street communities selected this year to join other programs across the state as proven leaders that have a strong economic impact
with an equally strong historic preservation ethic. Cities are carefully selected each year based on the community’s proven efforts to maintain a strong economic base through a healthy
business climate, collaborative community-based efforts, and dedication to maintaining the community’s identity through historic preservation. “GEMS communities are united by common
attributes that help make them the strongest commercial historic districts / areas in the state – a strong commitment to historic preservation and planning, stable leadership and consistent
municipal support,” said Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which oversees the Georgia Main Street
program.
The City of Tybee Island has been part of the Main Street program since 2010. In 2014, when city officials activated the Development Authority, the boundaries of the program expanded
to within city limits and the name changed to the Development Authority / Main Street Program. The program serves as a central hub for businesses and local organizations and for property
owners and officials to utilize financial and technical resources that are available. As a GEMS city, Tybee Island has access to special one-on-one services offered by the Office of
Downtown Development. Services include design services for facades, landscaping, and districts at discounted rates, work plan development, and strategic planning sessions, along with
scholarship opportunities and professional trainings throughout the year.
In 2017, the city completed the final update to their Historic Resources Survey. The survey was funded in part through the Historic Preservation Fund Grant program due to the city’s
designation as a Certified Local Government by Georgia’s Historic Preservation Division. The increased interest in preservation over the year has resulted in more properties being listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The program’s 2017 community impact report summarizes that there was over $17 million of private/public investments, a total of eight new
businesses with 18 net new jobs created, and 61 public events that had an economic impact of approximately $5 million with 27,000 in attendance and 700 hours dedicated by volunteers.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off the Walter W. Parker
Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and making sure hatchlings
make it to the sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
About the Development Authority Main Street Program: The Tybee Island Development Authority/Main Street Program is managed by a staff person and a volunteer board of directors and committees
working with partners to ensure the vision of improving the quality of life for those that live, work, and visit Tybee Island and enhancing the cultural experience while preserving
the community's barrier island heritage. The program follows a strategic annual work plan which improves aspects of the town, while focusing on economic development within the context
of historic preservation to enhance the quality of life and sense of place. With broad-based community support, it integrates a practical management strategy by using the proven Four-Point
Approach®. For more information, visit http://www.tybeeislandmainstreet.com.
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