Development Authority updates Sibley-Smith development plan, re-elects officers 

Published 9:00 am Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville – Baldwin County (DAMBC) met Sept. 26 and moved another step closer toward creation of the Sibley-Smith Industrial Park.

 The board, working with Baldwin County Commissioners and the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC), worked on a plan to develop the park in phases. MGRC Executive Director Laura Mathis addressed the board and discussed the methodology of updating the plan, which originated in 2016. Baldwin County Commissioners asked for assistance from MGRC earlier this month. 

The phased approach to development calls for incremental development of sites on the 1,500 acre tract. A conceptual plan developed by the Authority outlines 10 potential sites for industry locations. Though development of the property will follow needs of companies hoping to locate in the industrial park, the phased approach provides a backdrop to help estimate costs for site preparation. 

Executive Director Jonathan Jackson told board members that even though it is highly unlikely a final buildout of the park will look exactly like the conceptual plan, a phased approach will provide guidance.

 “We all know that the park won’t look exactly like this,” Jackson said. “We know the park won’t develop in a linear fashion, site by site. But by having a roadmap, we can know what to expect.” 

In other business, the authority unanimously re-elected board officers to serve additional terms.

Sharon Seymour was re-elected to serve as chair. Derek Williams was re-elected to serve as vice chair. Greg Tyson was re-elected to serve as treasurer and Mac Patel was re-elected to serve as secretary. 

Jackson also reported that the the authority is currently working on 11 projects representing 3, 430 jobs and more than $2.4 billion in investment in the manufacturing, commercial, textile, solar and medical industry sectors.

 The Authority will next meet in a called meeting Monday, Oct. 17 instead of the regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Oct. 24 due to a scheduling conflict. The board meets at the Economic Development Center at 105 E. Hancock Street in downtown Milledgeville. The public is invited to attend.