Augusta booming despite tough economy (Atlanta, Jefferson: sales, condos, construction)

[nortonguy]

The city is still by far the place to shop, dine out, etc. Augusta mall, Surrey Center, and a vibrant broad street downtown. Should get alot of the thanks. Aiken, Edgefield, Mcduffie, Lincoln, Columbia, McCormick, Jefferson, Wilkes, and Burke counties keep growing. While the city & Richmond county does too, wonderful time for the CSRA.

Augusta saw its highest month of sales tax collections since consolidation in April, taking in $9 million, according to data from the state Department of Revenue. The record was previously set in January with $7.45 million.

Year-to-date collections through April are up 6.02 percent compared to where they were at the same point in 2008, according to Assistant Finance Director Tim Schroer.

In a news release, Mayor Deke Copenhaver said the data “is proof positive that our local economy is moving forward even during difficult times” and “speaks to the strength of consumer confidence in our local marketplace.

“I firmly believe that this confidence is driven by the fact that local projects continue to move forward. And the tangible progress our community is making, represented by major construction projects throughout the community, is undeniable.”

[g-man430]

So, how about that village at riverwatch project?

[harrat]

Augusta's doing good compared to similar size cities.

[g-man430]

Originally Posted by harrat

Augusta's doing good compared to similar size cities.

Can't argue with that.

[macjr82]

it's b/c people are leaving bigger cities like atlanta that aren't booming, and also more rural areas that got hit via trickle down and going to Augusta. Augusta is getting it from both ways.

[g-man430]

Atlanta isn't booming? Is that a joke? I was in Atlanta in late March and saw a ton of highrises getting built there.

[The Magician]

Stop playing stupid G-man! Atlanta has been losing jobs. We all know they're still throwing up buildings. They have that "if we build it, they'll come" attitude. Which is the precise reason why they're basically giving away office space and condos. -------Why do you keep posting on the Augusta forum? We know that the VAR is put on hold and may not be built anytime soon. Until you started posting, I didn't know Greenville even existed-ok I lied-I heard about it having a million murders. Since you like to talk trash, how about you focus on Bi-Lo. Didn't they sponsor your arena-that's right- I hope your city got all the money from the naming rights. If not-oh well. Maybe Yanni will come back, maybe not.

[motonenterprises]

Originally Posted by The Magician

Stop playing stupid G-man! Atlanta has been losing jobs. We all know they're still throwing up buildings. They have that "if we build it, they'll come" attitude. Which is the precise reason why they're basically giving away office space and condos. -------Why do you keep posting on the Augusta forum? We know that the VAR is put on hold and may not be built anytime soon. Until you started posting, I didn't know Greenville even existed-ok I lied-I heard about it having a million murders. Since you like to talk trash, how about you focus on Bi-Lo. Didn't they sponsor your arena-that's right- I hope your city got all the money from the naming rights. If not-oh well. Maybe Yanni will come back, maybe not.

Augusta can't touch Greenville with a 10 foot pole when it comes to amenities or economy. You know it and I know it. Want to compare numbers? We've done this before.

[joeyrun]

Please with the Greenville talk. Columbia is closer to Augusta than Greenville...

I agree with the mayor. Riding through Augusta at this present time. Is the same as riding through a big construction zone. Huge projects going up in the city.

[amandaalexus]

I am from a small town......and I am proud to live where there is cattle crossing signs....DANGIT