Minutes of the Historic Brunswick Neighborhood Planning Assembly (HBNPA) 

May 13, 2025, Brunswick First Presbyterian Church

Call to order – Travis Stegall called the meeting to order at 6pm. New Steering Committee Member – Travis Stegall introduced Kameron Taylor, new member of the HBNPA Steering Committee. Brunswick Police report – Interim Brunswick Police Chief Smith gave an update of police activity in the neighborhood, indicating that crime is trending down. The Brunswick Police have completed several Community Connections, providing meals and education to children and parents from select communities. There will be another session in midtown in August. Response has been great and relationships are being formed in the neighborhoods. New Business – Shaun Kirkland was introduced to the group and announced the opening of Pips Candy and Crafted Sodas at 504 Gloucester St. The store sells nostalgic candies and elevated sodas and is a good place to get your sugar fix. Liquor License Applications 

• William Sullivan and Mr. Patel, owners of Bollywood Indian Restaurant at 1423 Newcastle, were present. The restaurant is open and seeking a liquor license. Comments came from the crowd that the neighborhood is enjoying the restaurant and it received positive reviews. No public comment on the license application.
• Corey Kilby, owner of Caddyshack Simulated Golf, was present. Caddyshack is open and located at 209 Gloucester and seeking a beer and wine license. No public comment on the application.
• Sunshine Unterwagner, owner of Driftwood Wine and Cocktails, which will be located at 205 Gloucester was present and seeking a liquor license. Driftwood was described as a grown-up cocktail lounge and will be open soon. No public comment on the application.
• Saulius Starys and Renato Szucs, owner of St. Simons Crepes, were present. St. Simons Crepes is located at 1514 Newcastle and seeking a liquor license. They will serve cocktails to complement sweet and savory crepes. No public comment on the application.

Homestead Tax Exemption – City Commissioner Lance Sabbe gave an update on HB581, the Home Ownership Municipal  Exemption (H.O.M.E.) Act, a homestead exemption for city residents. HB581 passed in the Georgia House and Senate this past session and if it passes by a majority vote in the upcoming November 4 Election will offer property tax relief in the following manner for those who file (one time) and are approved for the exemption: “Each resident of the City of Brunswick is granted an exemption on such person’s homestead from City of Brunswick ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount equal to a percentage off the assessed value of such person’s homestead provided for below based upon how long such resident has owned such homestead: (1) Five years or less: 5 percent; (2) Six to ten years: 10 percent; (3) Eleven to 20 years: 20 percent; (4) Twenty-one to 29 years: 30 percent; and (5) Thirty years more: 50 percent.” (Language from the Act as passed by the Georgia House and Senate) Neighborhood Emergency Response – Jack Daniels gave an overview of the potential risks of current communications in the event of a major storm event. There is effort to create a localised emergency response system and those interested are encourage to contact Mr. Daniels at jackadaniel@gmail.com. URA Oglethorpe Block Update – the URA was not able to attend and will be invited to a future meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55. Next Assembly will be MONDAY July 14, 6 pm at First Presbyterian Church, corner of Union and George Streets Respectfully submitted by Ryan Moore