TCC signs proclamation for Historic Preservation Month

The Toccoa City Commission approved a proclamation recognizing May as Historic Preservation Month during its recent regular scheduled meeting.

According to Toccoa Mayor David Austin, the proclamation acknowledges the great work the Historic Preservation Committee does in the city of Toccoa.

“Whereas Historic Preservation is an effective tool for economic development, heritage, tourism, planning, growth management, neighborhood revitalization, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and, whereas Historic Preservation is relevant to urban and rural communities throughout the nation, and to Americans of all ages, all walks of life, and all ethnic backgrounds; and, whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that have shaped us as a people,” he said.

Austin continued to read the proclamation, pointing out the success of downtown Toccoa.

“The month of May has been designated as National Historic Preservation Month by the National Trust for Historic Preservation…Main Street Toccoa has a historic district with 17 city blocks of commercial buildings constructed from locally producted brick and erected from1857 to 1957 which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the local historic district; and, whereas Main Street Toccoa is a Nationally Accredited and Georgia Exceptional Main Street Community, where the Downtown Development Authority partners with organizations through the community to implement an award winning downtown revitalization program with reinvestment of more than $45 million in the private sector and $16 million in the public sector, 160 locally owned businesses and organizations, 29 apartments downtown, active renovation and new construction projects, and more than 68,000 visitors attending our events annually,” he said.

Following their comments, Austin presented the signed proclamation to the Toccoa Historic Preservation Commission.