City asks public’s help to get projects funded

Roswell is seeking more than $7 million in federal funds for two projects and is asking the public to help by providing written support of the plans.

The city is seeking federal money to transform the former Ace Sand Co. site along the Chattahoochee River into a riverside recreation space and to restore the historic Doc’s Café building and create a preservation site.

The city is asking citizens to show support by completing an online form through U.S. Rep. Lucy Mcbath’s office. The online portal is open through April 18. The form asks for each citizen’s name, address and a statement about the projects.

Mcbath would request the monies from the Community Funding Project, according to her website. Funding from the project is available to state and local governments and some nonprofits, and com- munity support is a factor in selection. The two local proj- ects were chosen by Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department.

Roswell’s funding request includes $6.5 million for part of the city’s riverbank restoration project at the former Ace Sand Co. site near St. Andrew Catholic Church on Riverside Road. The location is one of several in its Roswell

r Parks Master Plan calling for development of parks along the Chattahoochee River.

A breakdown of costs at the Ace Sand site was provided by Roswell and shows the funds would pay for project work along the riverbank, native planting, a children’s educational stormwater garden, a fitness trail loop with exercise equipment, parking, a picnic pavilion, restroom and more.

The funding request includes $800,000 for the restoration of Doc’s Café. The former restaurant near Oxbo Road was a social gathering place for Black residents during segregation. Roswell plans to make Doc’s Cafe a historic preservation site for local African American heritage with park space.