37.5 million on Inner City Augusta redevelopment (Bethlehem, Chester: condos, how much, hotel)

[fammaf]

Plans to redevelop the Laney Walker-Bethlehem neighborhood. The city of Augusta is investing millions in new homes and retail space. The move is intended to revive an historic district and drive in tourist. That's where the new redevelopment plan comes in, boasting new and renovated homes. There are three components.

"One is security," said Chester Wheeler, director of Housing and Community Development. "We'll have decorative fencing on the front. We'll also have sidewalks that have trees. We'll have rear alley entrances for garages so that individuals can move into their garage and into the house. The last component is commercial retail. We'll have housing on the top, and retail on the bottom."

$37.5 million in hotel/motel tax dollars will make it all possible. "It's an extremely important initiative for our city," said Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver. He went on to stress pre-approval.

Demolition and construction is expected to begin in March along Pine Street. New homes have already started to emerge along Holley Street. Augusta commissioners have approved spending $750,000 a year for the next 50 years on inner city re-development.
Work begins on $37 million, "long overdue" inner city overhaul

[MantaRay]

This is absolutely great, the best news for Augusta in some time. Cities across America have been revitalizing their downtown areas and constructing nice new residences therein, and that has led to a resurgence in those downtowns. With the investment planned here, Augusta's downtown stands to benefit from a coming resurgence as well.

[joeyrun]

Terrific news for the city of Augusta. I rode on james brown boulevard the other week. They have already built new homes around the james brown townhome community. Looks a whole lot better.

[targety]

Augusta's mayor is very progressive and has done a great job. He might call himself a republican which I think he does more in order to get things from Gov. Perdue. But if he never told you what party affiliation he was. You would think he was a democrat or independent. If mayor deke is a republican he's a Colin powell or Michael bloomberg. Which is the only type of republican that could win two straight elections like Deke in Augusta.

[harrat]

I'm excited and happy for that area.

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by joeyrun

Terrific news for the city of Augusta. I rode on james brown boulevard the other week. They have already built new homes around the james brown townhome community. Looks a whole lot better.

Yeah that area has really improved over the last couple of year's.

[harrat]

The new laney stadium and AR Johnson building help alot with that improvement.

[nortonguy]

I can't wait for Augusta to start building up its inner city. Im in new york right now and Im amazed at how much has change in downtown brooklyn. Banks, resturants, condos, etc.

[barii]

I have a friend who took a tour of the James Brown townhomes and you can get your own elevator if you want.

[lolo2]

Originally Posted by barii

I have a friend who took a tour of the James Brown townhomes and you can get your own elevator if you want.

Since its going to be gated I assumed it would be real nice.