Group meeting to gauge interest in renovating dilapidated motel

The Calling Panther Heritage Foundation intends to apply for assistance from the Community Facilities Loans and Grants Program of the USDA Rural Development to assist in renovating the Millsaps Hotel to be used as a Cultural Arts Center.
The old property has been sitting unused for some 20 years.  A new roof, new doors and new windows are needed to seal it off from the elements before any type of restoration work can begin on it.  Recently owned by a local resident, the building was donated to the county.
The foundation will hold a public meeting to give local residents an opportunity to become acquainted with the proposed project and to comment on any issues pertaining to the application.  The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 201 Downing Street.