CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency Board appointed downtown business owner and antique car buff Ron Gautney to the body.
Gautney’s appointment returns the board to its full complement following the July resignation of Patti Cook, who had to resign when her employer, CareerSource Okaloosa-Walton, closed its Crestview office.
Board members are required to work in the CRA district. Gautney owns Ron’s Antiques and said he is concerned about the number of vacant businesses in the city’s historic district.
“I want to see the city of Crestview and CRA board get together and buy at least one building on Main Street,” Gautney said.
A recent assessment of downtown’s potential by a visiting group of developers and investors recommended the city attract investment by showing “skin in the game” through acquiring some of the vacant properties.
“I have known Ron for quite a few years and he has been involved with many downtown events,” board member Doug Faircloth said, noting Gautney’s involvement with the Main Street Crestview Association, the Spanish Trail Cruisers car club, and other downtown activities.
“What I have heard and seen, a lot of people in this town know and love him,” board President Joe Blocker said.
Upon a motion by board member JB Whitten, the board voted unanimously to appoint Gautney. He joins Faircloth, Whitten, Blocker, Bill Cox, Shannon Hayes and Dr. Margareth Larose-Pierre on the board.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gautney appointed to Crestview CRA Board (VIDEO)