The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village fundraising campaign has won a $5,000 donation.

The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority on Thursday night voted to give the monies to fund a feasibility study for the project.

The DDA board at the meeting also heard an overview of the initiative. A historic home downtown and adjoining land has been purchased by the city government for the public-private collaborative to create a visual and performing arts center. Fundraising now is under way to pay for renovations and construction.

Also on Thursday the DDA board considered the following agenda items:

? Board Chairman Jimmy Long introduced new member George McGrath, who is Woodstock City Councilman Chris Casdia's appointee;

? Steve Romeyn of Windsong Properties updated the board on the company's plans to build 34 single-family homes on Rusk Street near Rope Mill Road. The Woodstock Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning the property from downtown general commercial to medium density residential for the project during its meeting on Wednesday. The Woodstock City Council will consider the request at its Sept. 27 meeting;

? DDA Executive Director Billy Peppers presented an overview of the state Department of Community Affairs' Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, which assists cities, counties and development authorities in efforts to revitalize their downtowns;

? Peppers said five applications were sent to building owners who are interested in the DDA's fa ade grant program, which offer owners a matching grant of up to $5,000 for renovating a building's fa ade.

? Peppers also notified board members the city government received $23,000 in hotel tax collections in July, that the Haney Road roundabout is open for drivers and the Livable Communities Initiative streetscapes project will begin demolition of the sidewalk in front of the Johnston Building on Monday night; and

? Assistant Director of Tourism and Visitor Center Operations Kyle Bennett told board members there were 358 visitors to Dean's Store in August and the fiscal year 2009 attendance was 1,136.

Board member Tony Eyl, ex-officio member Jackie Tanase and council liaison Councilman Bob Mueller were not present.