DDA approves $2,000 placemaking grant for student‑led haunted house at Space of Mind

The Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved a $2,000 placemaking grant Sept. 8 to support Space of Mind's student‑led haunted‑house block party, the Community Classroom Project said during the meeting.
Presenter Sandy Hagood described the Oct. 24 event as a “Renaissance Scare” block party that would close a downtown block for a student‑designed haunted house, student performances and local vendor booths. Hagood asked the board for $2,000 to cover infrastructure costs such as lighting, decorations, rentals and permits. Hagood said the program is student‑led and that last year the production budget ran about $16,000.
DDA staff confirmed funds were available in the placemaking grants line on the budget and told the board the grant category had forecasted $18,000 with roughly $6,000 spent to date. Board members praised the educational and economic benefits and moved to approve the award; the vote was unanimous.
The DDA asked staff to process the award and to coordinate permit and operational details with the organizer. Hagood said event revenue and donations will fund student scholarships for local youth programs.