AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction of a new park in the median of Broad Street is expected to enhance the appearance of downtown Augusta.
However, it will pose challenges for drivers and businesses, as lane closures are scheduled to continue in the near term.
“I’m certain all the businesses and eateries are worried,” said Michael Weldon, the owner of Psychotronic Records.
The project begins on Monday, with no end date anticipated.
The inner lanes of Broad Street between Eighth Street and Ninth Street, next to the Augusta Common, will be closed to motor vehicles to facilitate the beginning of construction on theJames Brown Linear Park.
Impacts will include:
- Removal of the middle section of the road and nearby parking area.
- End of parking on the outer lanes of Broad Street to make way for reconfigured traffic lanes.
- At minimum, one lane traveling in each direction will stay accessible.
- Additionally, several fountains are scheduled for removal.
Michael Bloom will be absent from the pit stops.
The middle parking spots were really good, and that’s usually where I park, and they are typically full,” said the Augusta resident. “So there’s already an overflow of all those people onto the side streets for a few blocks.
And that’s the worry many companies face: Where will patrons park, and might this construction cause them to leave?
I truly have no idea where people will manage to park,” Weldon stated. “When they visit my store in the coming days? I’m not sure, so I suppose it’s all about future developments, but currently, it’s not very favorable.
Business proprietors have already observed a change, yet they wish the transformation will lead to improvement.
“I circled the block searching for a parking spot since all the spaces on the street were occupied,” Bloom mentioned.
However, although some business owners find the changes annoying, they are attracting other businesses to the downtown area.
A hair salon moved downtown due to the changes.
“I was thinking about downtown, but I was mainly looking at Washington Road and the Furys Ferry neighborhood. However, that’s where my customers are located. Then, when I considered the improvements happening downtown, I definitely thought, ‘I want to be involved in what’s going on.’ So I decided if I move down here and get things started just in time, it will be ideal for my business,” owner Karla Strong said.
She wishes the enhancements will encourage individuals to enter.
She mentioned that the increase in vehicle movement indicates more individuals are relocating to this area.
So I believe that as more businesses move here due to the ongoing construction, it will attract more people to this area. Therefore, Augusta won’t experience the usual slow-paced downtown atmosphere. I think this will bring in more visitors and create a slightly more dynamic environment.
But for now, companies hope you will still visit them.
“We remain open, and you’re aware that you might need to put in a bit more effort to locate a parking spot, but you will eventually find one, so continue to visit,” Weldon stated.
