Public art displays in McDonough are all the rage with a segment of the population, and the agenda of the City Council’s June 17 regular meeting reflected that.

  A study focusing on “public art programming,” specifically within the Main Street and Town Center districts, was a major discussion point during the meeting.

  A presentation was made to the council that included updates on completed art projects, the mural at 50 Griffin Street, and potential sites being evaluated along the Jonesboro Road corridor in response to comments by council member Sandra Vincent at the May meeting about possible projects outside the Main Street and Town Center corridors.

  According to a city staff report, the purpose of the study is to “establish a matrix for eligibility of site locations, in conjunction with an application review process, so as to provide for a thematic design pattern that will create, as well as allow for sustainability of, the city’s official ‘Art Walk’ for further enhancing quality of life initiatives as part of community/economic development and hospitality tourism programs.”

  In addition to community development director Rodney Heard’s status update, the council heard from artist Kyle Brooks about the mural he completed at Pasta Max. Local business owner Beau Kelley addressed the council about how public art enhances the community and also thanked Brooks for his work. The council discussed various ideas on how to move forward with future art projects.

  In other business, the council approved the preliminary plat submitted for a residential development along Lake Dow, McGarity and Airline roads. The vote was unanimous. The application was made by John Palmer of Falcon Design Consultants on behalf of Blue River Development, according to a city staff report.

    The plat is for Stapleton Park and constitutes an additional 76-lot phase that comprises the remaining portion of the parent tract annexed/rezoned in 2003 containing Bridleridge and Bridlewood subdivisions. The plat is eligible for minimum lot sizes of 10,000 square feet and 7,500 square feet, emulating the pattern established by Bridle-ridge and Bridlewood, according to city staff. Development of the tract will coincide with the construction of nearby Arnold Estates (62 lots) as well as continual expansion of the Hwy. 81 E. Village Activity Center.