Voters to Decide on Hawkinsville-Pulaski Consolidation (Macon, Albany: condos, schools, subdivisions)

[Airforceguy]

It seems more and more communities across the state are consolidating or are considering it. I wouldn't be surprised if Milledgeville-Baldwin and Albany-Dougherty are next.
Voters to Decide on Hawkinsville-Pulaski Consolidation | 13wmaz.com

[midgeorgiaman]

I know Milledgeville and Baldwin are discussing it.

[Newsboy]

Out of curiosity, I looked up Pulaski County on Wikipedia and noticed the population increased 25 percent between 2000-2010 -- making it one of Georgia's fastest growing counties! What's the reason for the growth down there? Spillover from Houston County?

I've driven through Hawkinsville many times on my way to and from the coast and always found it charming. Indeed, the farmland in Pulaski county is quite scenic -- much more so (IMO) than many other Middle Georgia counties. And while the population is still relatively small (12,000), it's certainly got more going for it than places like Telfair County, which might as well be in Mississippi.

Fascinating place, this state we live in ...

[midgeorgiaman]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

Out of curiosity, I looked up Pulaski County on Wikipedia and noticed the population increased 25 percent between 2000-2010 -- making it one of Georgia's fastest growing counties! What's the reason for the growth down there? Spillover from Houston County?

I've driven through Hawkinsville many times on my way to and from the coast and always found it charming. Indeed, the farmland in Pulaski county is quite scenic -- much more so (IMO) than many other Middle Georgia counties. And while the population is still relatively small (12,000), it's certainly got more going for it than places like Telfair County, which might as well be in Mississippi.

Fascinating place, this state we live in ...

I'm not sure about typical growth being the entire explanation as the census estimate for 2012 shows a decline in population. There is a prison there and in small counties, changing prison populations can affect growth rates significantly. This is interesting. I wish someone from Pulaski would chime in with an explanation.

[Southern Soul Bro]

I find this growth interesting as well. According to this site, the city proper of Hawkinsville itself grew by 71.1% between 2000-2012. I have family in neighboring Eastman, which I believe is known among the locals as the "bigger town with more stuff" between the two, but the 2012 figures have Hawkinsville at 5,611 and Eastman at 5,341. Very Interesting, though Dodge County still has about 10,000 more people than Pulaski.

With all of that "growth," I googled to see is Hawkinsville had at least built a Wal-Mart SuperCenter or something, but the search results just brought up the one in Eastman. So, I have no idea what's going on down there.

[Newsboy]

I really am thinking it must be spillover from Houston County. It's only about 15-20 minutes from Hawkinsville to Perry, and less than 30 minutes to RAFB. I suppose SOME of it might be because of an increase in the prison population, but the prison was built in 1994 and doesn't appear to have been expanded since then. It's a women's prison, BTW, and is within the city limits of Hawkinsville.

As for Hawkinsville itself, I'll repeat what I said earlier: It's a charming little town with a very neat, very busy downtown area. Unlike many of the middle Georgia towns, it looks like Hawkinsville still has a thriving local business district. They've done a good job of updating the streetscapes with brick sidewalks, street lamps and the like. It's one of the nicer towns along the US 341 corridor. The presence of the harness racing industry there suggests there's some degree of sophistication and wealth. Also, I think Pulaski County Schools are decent enough, by Middle Georgia standards.

[Bulldawgfan]

Originally Posted by King_X

I find this growth interesting as well. According to this site, the city proper of Hawkinsville itself grew by 71.1% between 2000-2012. I have family in neighboring Eastman, which I believe is known among the locals as the "bigger town with more stuff" between the two, but the 2012 figures have Hawkinsville at 5,611 and Eastman at 5,341. Very Interesting, though Dodge County still has about 10,000 more people than Pulaski.

With all of that "growth," I googled to see is Hawkinsville had at least built a Wal-Mart SuperCenter or something, but the search results just brought up the one in Eastman. So, I have no idea what's going on down there.

I have not noticed any growth in Hawkinsville proper in 6 years. Someone has converted and old mill/factory into condos. Right on the river, very nice looking. Hawkinsville's one real destination, M&T Meats, has expanded in the last few years. This meat market is visited by locals from many surrounding counties. Someone attempted to renovate the old hospital but apparently ran out of money, as it sits as a hollowed out shell.
The increase of population must be happening outside of the city proper. As in, the city limits must be very generous in regards to "the city". I am guessing there must be some new subdivisions, built off the beaten path, because of its straight shot to the base. One road from Hawkinsville to the main entrances of Robin AFB.
Once the Ocmulgee River leaves Macon, heading southeast, there are only two bridges over it for the next 20-30 miles. That seems to put an obstacle as to where the base employees can commute from. Hawkinsville seems like a logical choice for expansion, based on base activity alone.
(But local rumor has it that Cochran is the next destination for Walmart)

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by Bulldawgfan

I have not noticed any growth in Hawkinsville proper in 6 years. Someone has converted and old mill/factory into condos. Right on the river, very nice looking. Hawkinsville's one real destination, M&T Meats, has expanded in the last few years. This meat market is visited by locals from many surrounding counties. Someone attempted to renovate the old hospital but apparently ran out of money, as it sits as a hollowed out shell.
The increase of population must be happening outside of the city proper. As in, the city limits must be very generous in regards to "the city". I am guessing there must be some new subdivisions, built off the beaten path, because of its straight shot to the base. One road from Hawkinsville to the main entrances of Robin AFB.
Once the Ocmulgee River leaves Macon, heading southeast, there are only two bridges over it for the next 20-30 miles. That seems to put an obstacle as to where the base employees can commute from. Hawkinsville seems like a logical choice for expansion, based on base activity alone.
(But local rumor has it that Cochran is the next destination for Walmart)

Is that the fine old brick building just as you come into town? I've always admired it and thought it was a shame something good wasn't done with it. I assumed it was an old school building or maybe a nursing home; didn't look like a hospital to me.

Hawkinsville must have some pretty good leadership. It's a much neater / attractive little town than many in middle Georgia. And the economy there is obviously stable, unlike some others.

Also, I've driven 129 south from WR to Hawkinsville and seem to recall seeing several new subdivisions along that route, including a new country club community with golf course.

[Newsboy]

This handy-dandy map (posted in relation to another thread) would suggest that Pulaski County is, indeed, primarily a bedroom community of Warner Robins these days:

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