Construction disrupts business activities in downtown Augusta.
Augusta city leaders met to address local business concerns regarding ongoing downtown construction. Suggestions for night shift work could expedite project completion, but a decision was postponed. Business owners are increasingly frustrated, citing traffic disruption and accessibility issues affecting their operations. The meeting highlights the need for better communication between city officials and the business community amid heightened community concerns over safety and infrastructure.
Augusta leaders convened on Thursday to discuss potential adjustments to the upcoming TIA (Transportation Investment Act) projects impacting downtown, following growing concerns from local business owners about ongoing construction activities.
During the session, John Ussery from the Traffic Engineering Division recommended that the city adopt a night shift for construction workers currently engaged only during the day. He suggested that this change could significantly expedite the project completion date from an estimated 2028 to as early as 2027, albeit at an additional cost of $13 million. Despite the potential benefits, city commissioners opted to postpone their decision on this proposal until their next meeting on July 8.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of increasing frustration expressed by business owners concerning the disruptive nature of the current construction, which has been affecting local traffic patterns, accessibility, and overall business operations. Local entrepreneurs voiced their concerns about how ongoing disruptions from construction equipment and traffic cones are harming their ability to attract and retain customers.
Marty Koger, owner of Tip Top Taps, highlighted the extensive interruptions caused by construction across multiple downtown streets, questioning how the long-term conditions may deteriorate further. He proposed that authorities consider redirecting traffic to Greene and Reynolds streets, which he believes could alleviate congestion on Broad Street and improve pedestrian access.
Michelle Tiedeman, a cosmetologist at Halo Salon and Spa, echoed the sentiment of her peers, emphasizing that the construction project’s impact is detrimental to both local businesses and residents. Meanwhile, Christine Sherer, owner of New Moon Cafe, underscored the necessity of maintaining a vibrant downtown environment for the success of local businesses.
Adding to the public concerns, Penelope Ballas-Stewart, owner of Luigi’s, pointed out that the construction project could lead to a significant loss of parking on Broad Street, which may jeopardize the viability of local businesses. She urged city officials to consider the repercussions of removing parking spaces and stressed the importance of effective communication between city leaders and the business community.
In light of these issues, business owners are collectively advocating for more proactive engagement from city officials in addressing their concerns regarding the construction and its impact on the downtown area. They have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the city to find common ground in planning efforts.
Additionally, John Ussery mentioned that part of the TIA project funding relies on upgrades to all traffic items meeting current standards, something that has yet to be fulfilled. He also noted that updates to the TIA website are being made to keep the public informed about road closures and the broader impacts of the construction activities.
The meeting occurred shortly after a tragic incident in Beech Island, where a shooting resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl, marking the day with heightened community concern and sensitivity around issues of safety and infrastructure.
While Thursday’s session focused heavily on construction and business impacts, commissioners also held a public input gathering regarding the homestead exemption property tax cap, although attendance from the commissioners was notably sparse. As construction continues and further preparations are made for future disruptions slated for 2025, downtown business owners remain dedicated to ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the decision-making processes of the city.
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