Prospective projects in the 2nd tier cities to grow Economic Tax Revenue in Ga (Ex:Casinos, Theme Parks, Zoos, and Etc.) (Atlanta: high income, taxes)

[NewtownMacon]

I would like to see the state of Ga working more to encourage,promote and deviate growth in the Second tier cities (Macon, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah)....... "Enough is enough Atlanta".

What you guys think?

[yerocal]

I would love to see casinos and theme park built in Macon it would tremendously help increase growth and tax base for the city and GA......... A while back the company that developed Wild adventure in Valdosta was looking a Macon to build a Water Park similar to White water in Marietta.

" I'm just waiting to see negativity Bulldawgfan has to post" lol in response to that.......

[NewtownMacon]

Yes that would be nice, i was reading up on some info about Shreveport, La, And how the casinos has help that city gain a lot of growth and present of dining/shopping/entertainment amenities usually found in much larger cities.

Shreveport city's pop is about 200,000 with metro pop of about 375,000.... but was able to land high end retailers like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and etc., due to the tourism produced by the casinos and etc.

So if Macon could gain a few developments like casinos, a zoo, theme park or something that would increase tourists and growth, I'm all for it.

[lilmusket]

This isn't China or the Soviet Union... businesses and people are free to move to what ever city they want to... for many reasons they have decided to move to metro Atlanta and not the second-tier cities.

[Bulldawgfan]

Originally Posted by yerocal

I would love to see casinos and theme park built in Macon it would tremendously help increase growth and tax base for the city and GA......... A while back the company that developed Wild adventure in Valdosta was looking a Macon to build a Water Park similar to White water in Marietta.

" I'm just waiting to see negativity Bulldawgfan has to post" lol in response to that.......

The theme park nearly came to be at the corner of Hwy. 96 and the Interstate in Centerville/Warner Robins. On the property that is currently a sod farm. I was all for it. But a casino? In conservative Georgia? Not in my lifetime nor yours. Perhaps some day in the coastal cities (Savannah or Brunswick) where they can cruise out into the Atlantic... like into international waters.... similar to what they did in Florida.

Shreveport city's pop is about 200,000 with metro pop of about 375,000.... but was able to land high end retailers like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and etc., due to the tourism produced by the casinos and etc.

In your mind is this what makes or breaks a city... high end retailers? In order for high end retailers to be successful there has to be moderate to high income levels abound. That is what Macon/Bibb needs to focus on... raising the average annual family income. Not whether Neiman Marcus or Nordstroms shows up. Lets get the average annual household income up to at least the state level. Make that happen and nearly every high end retailer ever created will show up. As it stands, the most prevalent chain of stores in Macon is either the Dollar General or Freds. Take a guess as to why.
(Hows that for negativity, yerocal?)

[Hot_Mike]

^Very true, its up to the 2nd tier cities to come up with ways to attract business. The city of Atlanta has a very open mind to creative ideas, I cant say that about Augusta.

[NewtownMacon]

Originally Posted by lilmusket

This isn't China or the Soviet Union... businesses and people are free to move to what ever city they want to... for many reasons they have decided to move to metro Atlanta and not the second-tier cities.

Anyone with Common sense knows that, what i'm trying to say is there needs be more effort put forward by Ga as well local official to try and deviate some of these investors to consider other areas beside always promoting them to Atlanta.... If you go to a State meeting you will notice the agendas are looked at as 2, Metro Atlanta and the rest of Ga.... instead it should be GA as a whole. Not, lets do this in Atlanta and we will let the rest of Ga fight over the crumbs.

[NewtownMacon]

Originally Posted by Bulldawgfan

In your mind is this what makes or breaks a city... high end retailers? In order for high end retailers to be successful there has to be moderate to high income levels abound. That is what Macon/Bibb needs to focus on... raising the average annual family income. Not whether Neiman Marcus or Nordstroms shows up. Lets get the average annual household income up to at least the state level.

No, High end retailer does not make or break a city, but they would be bice to have here. The only way that Macon can increase the average Income level is to drawn in more employers that will offer higher paid jobs. I feel that Not only the local officials, but as well as the state should try to stratagize some plans to help draw or deviate more investor to the 2nd tier cities instead of always promoting Atlanta. It hard for the locals officials to promote their 2nd tier city when you have to compete with what Atlanta. That why i say the state should get in involved, put some restrictions on Atlanta's growth, offer companies grants and reduced taxes to consider Macon, Columbus, Augusta and Savannah.

[NewtownMacon]

Originally Posted by Hot_Mike

^Very true, its up to the 2nd tier cities to come up with ways to attract business. The city of Atlanta has a very open mind to creative ideas, I cant say that about Augusta.

That's true the 2nd tier cities should come up with ways to attract business, but when you trying to compete with ATL what chance to they have , that why i say the state should get involved as well. I heard that the old Ford Plant in Atlanta has been eyed for a possible casino site..... Why does Atlanta need anything else to attract even more people to a existing chaotic area, thats where the state should step and offer support to these investors if they considered the 2nd Tiers.......instead.

[afonega1]

Atlanta gets the blame for its growth and the attention it gets.That's not its fault.That is the second tier cities fault.They and some of the resident fear of becoming ATLANTA.All the while being jealous of its prosperity and growth.I moved back to Warner Robins recently and to many people here and in Macon think small.Macon had as many as 110,000 people,now has only 93,000.If you mention living downtown Macon,people think you're nuts.All the positive changes downtown are ignored until the Cherry Blossom Festival comes.These cities need to stop and learn from Atlanta what works.