VALDOSTA – Valdosta City Council member Vivian Miller-Cody told the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority she wants to see a new grocery store open in the city.

During the public participation portion of the authority meeting, Miller-Cody asked authority members to help attract a new grocery store to the south side of town after the Winn-Dixie closed. A Piggly Wiggly now operates at the site.

She also expressed an interest in seeing a bank that offers checking and savings options as well as personal bankers for south side residents.

She asked the authority if there are ways to attract new restaurants to open on the south side of town.

After the meeting, several authority members spoke about the banking situation on the south side of Valdosta before departing.

“Seniors can’t eat burgers every day,” Miller-Cody said. “Seniors can’t eat hot dogs every.”

Authority staff reported they continue working with five existing industries on possible expansion projects for 2019 and helping industries identify assistance with specific infrastructure needs and economic development incentives to support business operations with capital investments of approximately $31.7 million and job creation of 110.

The staff is continuing to work on the bidding process for creating speculative buildings in its business parks.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority meets 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month. The meetings are open to the public. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.