Augusta, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Business owners in Augusta voiced their frustrations during a construction update meeting, feeling their concerns about the downtown project were not adequately addressed. The construction of James Brown Linear Park is significant for enhancing walkability but has raised issues regarding disruptions, communication, and accessibility. Many businesses have already been affected by parking removals and ongoing roadwork, prompting city officials to engage a public relations firm to improve communication.
Augusta business owners expressed frustration during a construction update meeting held at the Augusta Municipal Building on Monday night. Despite hopes for an informative session, many left feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed.
The construction project, which is transforming downtown Augusta, includes the creation of the new James Brown Linear Park along Broad Street. However, business owners voiced concerns regarding the construction schedule, potential disruptions, and challenges related to storefront accessibility. The ongoing work, set to take approximately one year, has already begun to impact the local community, with center parking between 8th and 9th streets completely removed.
During the meeting, business owners raised issues such as unclear communication about project timelines, the effects on their businesses, and a lack of prior consultation before construction began. Commissioner Jordan Johnson acknowledged receiving numerous angry calls and emails from local business owners regarding ongoing roadwork and delays. The Augusta Engineering Department reportedly held meetings before the construction started, though many business owners claimed they were unaware of these sessions, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion.
In response to these issues, the city has engaged Paquin Public Relations to enhance communication regarding the project. Megan Paquin, a representative from the firm, affirmed the validity of concerns raised by business owners and suggested that future meetings should feature agendas shared in advance to improve clarity.
As the construction progresses, the impacts of the project are becoming evident. Michael Weldon, owner of Psychotronic Records, expressed regret over the project’s consequences, such as the loss of trees and parking spaces, which are crucial for his business’s accessibility. While the project’s aim is to create a more walkable downtown, business owners worry about reduced parking availability, which may deter customers.
The construction crews are working daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and the removal of surrounding trees has revealed neglected buildings along Broad Street, raising further concerns among residents and business owners about the state of the area. The ongoing construction will significantly alter downtown Augusta and its accessibility for both residents and visitors.
As further updates are anticipated from city officials and public relations representatives, local business owners continue to hope for better communication regarding the progress and impacts of the construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of the downtown Augusta construction project?
The project aims to create the new James Brown Linear Park and enhance walkability in downtown Augusta.
2. How long is the construction expected to take?
The construction is expected to take around one year to complete.
3. What are some concerns voiced by business owners?
Business owners voiced concerns about unclear communication regarding project timelines, disruptions to their businesses, and accessibility issues related to storefronts.
4. What efforts are being made to improve communication with business owners?
The city has hired Paquin Public Relations to enhance communication and suggested that future meetings provide agendas in advance.
5. How has the construction impacted downtown Augusta?
The construction has led to the complete removal of center parking, affecting accessibility for customers, and the removal of trees has exposed neglected buildings along Broad Street.
Key Features of the Downtown Augusta Construction Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Duration | Approximately one year |
| Main Objective | Create James Brown Linear Park and enhance walkability |
| Parking Changes | Complete removal of center parking between 8th and 9th streets |
| Communication Improvements | Hiring of Paquin Public Relations to enhance communication |
| Work Schedule | Daily from 8 am to 5 pm |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Downtown Business Owners Voice Frustrations
- Augusta Chronicle: Adaptable Business Space Project
- WFXG: Construction Begins in Heart of Downtown Augusta
- Wikipedia: Downtown Augusta
- WJBF: James Brown Linear Park Construction Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta, Georgia
- WRDW: Businesses Voice Concerns on Construction
- Google Search: Augusta downtown construction
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
