Your predictions for Augusta-Aiken in 2017 (Atlanta, Augusta-Richmond County: employment, purchase, tenants)

[Airforceguy]

How do ya'll think the area will develop in the new year. Personally, I believe the following may happen.
-Increased development in Downtown Augusta
-Redevelopment plan for the King Mill is announced
-More tenants are announced for Sibley Mill Cyber Center
-Work FINALLY begins on Project Jackson and Mullins Crossing Phase II
-A major job announcement will be made for the Augusta Corporate Park
-Talk of an inland port in South Augusta will get more serious

[therealpattman]

I predict three major announcements will be made in 2017; First, it will be announced that I-20 will be widened from from exit 194 to the Columbia/McDuffie County line. I-520 will be widened from Deans Bridge Rd to Mike Padgett Hwy with a new interchange at Richmond Hill, Windsor Spring and Peach Orchard Rd. Second, the city of Augusta and Augusta University will finally announce a joint 13,000 seat venue on the riverfront to replace the James Brown Arena. Last the Augusta National will announce a massive land purchase that will spread the club's blueprint almost to Boy Scout Rd.

[Georgiadog]

interesting I think will also see more announcements of major industries and retail.

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by dpatt.marine1

I predict three major announcements will be made in 2017; First, it will be announced that I-20 will be widened from from exit 194 to the Columbia/McDuffie County line. I-520 will be widened from Deans Bridge Rd to Mike Padgett Hwy with a new interchange at Richmond Hill, Windsor Spring and Peach Orchard Rd. Second, the city of Augusta and Augusta University will finally announce a joint 13,000 seat venue on the riverfront to replace the James Brown Arena. Last the Augusta National will announce a massive land purchase that will spread the club's blueprint almost to Boy Scout Rd.

I could see a new joint arena being announced, but I don't think it will be a riverfront site as the arena authority has already ruled out the old golf and gardens site, plus AU still hasn't decided what to do with that site. As for the widening of I-20 in Columbia, GDOT has plans to widen that stretch beginning in 2030. Also for the Peach Orchard/Windsor Spring Rd Interchange, a study is planned to see what improvements can be made there.

[GRU_Minion]

IMO no way there's room for any sort of arena on the river unless you're talking up or down river from downtown. I don't think even a smaller performing arts center would have room down there when you consider parking.

[amlovingit]

I could see a new parking deck announcement made for board street, a couple of retailers, new life around the train depot, more excitement around the riverwalk, south augusta big announcement

[Pu239]

1. Indictments of several county government officials
2. Zero Sum Gain Employment Figures
3. Continued dysfunctional local government
4. More Goats
5. New "Hart Drive" oversight committee formed

[amlovingit]

Hahaha.

[Carolina Knight]

Originally Posted by amlovingit

I could see a new parking deck announcement made for board street, a couple of retailers, new life around the train depot, more excitement around the riverwalk, south augusta big announcement

I would like to see proactive participation in addressing southern Augusta-Richmond County. Could an inland port spur activity in that area?

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by Carolina Knight

I would like to see proactive participation in addressing southern Augusta-Richmond County. Could an inland port spur activity in that area?

I think in 2017 you will see more attention paid to South Richmond County. Particularly, when it comes to spurring retail growth and jobs. I believe we will see more jobs announced for the Augusta Corporate Park. if you remember, earlier this year we had EdenCrete announce they would build a new plant and North American HQ at the park that will bring 250 jobs to the area. I also believe that an inland port will be announced as well. As for the inland port spurring activity, I think it will. As the Port of Savannah grows, it will put more strain on an already strained transportation network linking Savannah and Atlanta, Augusta could market itself as an alternate route to markets in the eastern Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and even eastern Canada.