Chapter 12- Recommendations

Chapter 13- Recommendations for Augusta

(A new main sewer line, this is the kind of spending a government is supposed to commence in)

     The first and foremost cause of problems in Augusta is bigger than the city can address  It is in my personal opinion that the breakdown of moral and education qualities were brought on by a welfare state that encourages the wrong aspects that makes a country strong. Augusta has a large amount of black people, black people have been the real victims of welfare and the destruction of the black family could be written with just examples from Augusta. Welfare has struck many white families in Augusta also. the stigma that most White people outside of 95% of Augusta have for going on food stamps is still there slightly. In many cases though the effects of multiple generations of hard working ancestors have had the link of labor broke that sustains them. 

     The simplest way to solve Augusta's problems without venturing into guesses and hypothesis about what some exotic plan may do is to simply tear down as much old building as possible. Atlanta has done this and they have had amazing results. There does not seem to be that many abandoned buildings in Downtown Atlanta and the few that do exist are much better compared with space that has simply rotted away. The freeing up of land close to the city will cut down on expense of workers who want to live close to their job and give an added option to the real estate scene in Augusta the housing stock in many neighborhoods is so old and dilapidated that the only way to save some for historic reasons is to take a loss on the most unmanageable ones. 

     The most cost effective way to do this would be to simply have some bulldozers wipe out entire blacks at a time. The cost effectiveness of mass jobs need to be utilized. Also, rapid changes in the housing stocks of many smaller pocket areas can send demand more to the core, which is so key for Augusta to fatten up, as it is best for the city for it to play a bigger role in its piece of the puzzle. 

     The problems Augusta face is simple to see and hard to change. The common answer given by citizens to the plights of Augusta yield three consistent problems that I have I affirmed in my research.

     Racism

     Augusta is part of the South. The story is quite common and the reader knows the cases of the civil rights era and the time that followed. Augusta did not go through these times without tumult, James brown had to get on TV when white police officers beat a black man for some unimportant and non-historical reason. The riots ensued were rage built up from true racism. Since then progress has been astonishing on a long term scale, there is no more colored and white only signs. There are plenty of communities in Augusta that showed a good mix of the races of earth living peacefully. Harrisburg is a neighborhood that I have noticed since living in Augusta as such. There is hardly any regard to your skin color here, the large white criminal base is matched with the blacks. the distribution of white/black middle class families living in Harrisburg also reflects a less segregated community, making it It is quite a ghetto neighborhood in places, but even the relatively wealthier citizens interact and get along with the poorest. To be poor and grow up in Harrisburg is a blessing relative to poverty in an absolute black project in Bethlehem or Eastbound. What is important for the maintenance and taming of racism is not the forced integration of races, but examples like Harrisburg, a melding of people, many forced through poverty to be social and friendly. The constant interaction wears away any true regard for the color of your skin as you are constantly exposed to situations which can make or break the stereotype, where your influence is more based on real life experience and not a bias implanted by others, but a bias only in form of more refined features that work better than race.

     Welfare culture

     The amount of people on food stamps is appalling Augusta. To go to the grocery store and see the number of people using food stamp cards is simply depressing and unsustainable. These people will be fed, as the Federal Government knows riots will ensue and politicians will be evicted en masse for even letting it get near that. This culture is absolutely destructive to the formation of a society. The unit of a family is broken down to the point where dysfunctional families are at a higher ratio than functioning ones. The ties of us as a nation and the foundation of respect built for each gender through the respecting of out parents and their actions, are asunder in this welfare obsessed city. 

      Go to work? Why? Stop selling cocaine? Why? The lack of punishment is the second and more matured form of welfare's later effects, the dissolving of work ethics right in front of the eyes of the citizens makes structural employment more so the case for unemployment than general cyclical reasons. The population is satisfied in their meager existence, as it is sustaining, but not progressing, but the idleness that it is incurring is slowly eating away at the resources of that city, and nation as a whole.

     The Southern culture of easy living, a depressed economy in many sections and a strong sense of community has encouraged idleness. Idleness encourages crime and crime begets more crime. The lack of a sense of duty and purpose borne in the heart of a poor buy in the ghetto is the seeds of many future liabilities.

     Corrupt City Politics

Upon the sensitive nature of this information and the reality that disclosing it makes enemies that are hard to prove as crooks to the public by myself, but capable of destroying me through many ways. I will therefore advise the reader to simply be active in looking for such and to know that it exists. To deal with it is necessary for your business, if you run one, but I cannot outline it in this report.

     Encourage Density

     I talked to a banker once, when I was 14 mind, and he said that Augusta was so spread out it costs it to much money. I did not understand and he pointed to a bush and said, does it cost more or less to plant that bush if there are 1,000,000 or 10 people to see it? I said "It will costs the same", he said, "Yes, density is one of the easiest ways to produce growth, especially ins such situations as Augusta, which is starved of a high population density area that keeps it from achieving the division of labor needed to compete properly in other markets. 

(Areas like this can encourage and spread thought and give Augusta a place to compete with much larger cities. The cost structure of Augusta and the proximity to Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbia, Nashville and even Jacksonville gives a small city platform to launch into these larger markets)

(Suburban density is the next best thing to the direct grid pattern. The shopping and living experience in these places are above average it seems and very productive for the economy in jobs and efficiency, this is what the majority of the gains in efficiency should come to for Augusta)

(Small business park for people on lunch in front of the Lamar Building)

Historic vibe

     Many people inside Augusta are completely ignorant to the rich history in our city. Being one of the original colonies. Georgia followed suit of the English, Scotch and Irish population flowing into it and adopted the "Southern Gentleman" culture and its current infatuations with religion, hard work and a patriarchal family lifestyle  The city was the 2nd largest city in Georgia, after Savannah and later Atlanta and has avoided Sherman march which purged both of those cities of 99% of its pre-1865 architecture. 

     The history of Augusta is one of the few aspects that differentiates itself from other cities in a positive way. The successful branding of a cities bricks and mortar is a good strategy for business, in tourist dollars and full time residents quality of life. The constant viewing of the buildings instill emotion in the heart of the observer, a flash back to history that textbooks cannot give justice to. This unique stock of real estate acts together to make a net result that would be much less if not bunched together for comparison  To drive in Downtown Augusta is to drive in American history  The designated place of commerce in our consumerist heavy culture is truly the center of the community. 

     Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans are 3 cities that have successfully branded and marketed their historical districts and the amenities that it offers. The grid structure of efficiency and the European influences from the days of America being owned by European nations is still strong in courtyards, street names and architecture.

     This is an area that is worthy in building an advantage, as it is natural to Augusta's condition right now. Atlanta and Savannah both were demolished in the Civil war, many Southern cities were. The path of Atlanta and Savannah show the separation in choice of how the city was o progress. Atlanta decided to go with the "New South" and tried to purge all remnants of the slavery days and the negative connations to it. The architecture, street names and the populace spoke to the slave trade of the South and  it took  lot of initiative to see the future and being one of the few that truly stuck their neck out in the air to demolish the remainder of their city and to elect new and progressive politicians, as opposed to the racist, old English and traditional styles that competing towns went with. 

     New Orleans is an ancient city, one of the oldest in North America and has been ruled by the Spanish, French, English and now America. What makes it different than Augusta is the exclusive port status that bring the worlds culture into the city. New Orleans maintained a lot of its old buildings and its squares, parks and public land, but has been unsuccessful in the other sectors of the economy, like manufacturing, medical, military and education. The city of New Orleans has strived to market itself as a party city, and it has been pulled off to the best degree possible, but the example shows the need for a balance, and that the marketing of the historic vibe factor is not enough to counteract the need for genuine diverse growth. 

     The city of Columbia reminds me a lot of Atlanta, but with the decision to enter the "New South" much later than Atlanta  If Columbia may have decided to so this earlier  they may have became the metropolis of the South-East instead of its burned down sister in 1864. Columbia has few historical building left and they tend to demolish them quite readily to make room for new growth. This makes Columbia brand and market the few remaining structures, but they are usually more packed with history and of higher quality then other cities. Augusta can easily beat Columbia in its "historic vibe" by not having as many skyscrapers and the majority of the structures on Broad Street being built in the late 19th and entire 20th century  To take a small tour and to see the new stucco siding of Mcdeveloopments is discouraging and deflates the "historic vibe" feature. Columbia has a lot of history and importance in the South, but they have chosen a different way to recognize it then Augusta has.

(Rainbow road in Charleston, compared to a similar row in Augusta in Olde Town)

     To brand our city as a "Southern Gem" is a task on the citizens, including me, of the city. The time is in our favor as Augustinians with the amount of development Downtown in the past 5 years. Even in a recession, Downtown has increased in foot traffic and interest. The renovation of former glory has brought a vibe that was not touched in new suburban developments (Which cost much more in public services) at a cost attractive to direct competitors. 

     To move in this direction we need to collectively, not through legislation, but through persuasion and a united plan, keep the historic vibe in the mind of Augusta. The branding of a city to the world is important to consider and to play to our existing stock of old structures with such increased world populations give not only people in Augusta, but people around the world, to move to Augusta. The brand of a "Southern Gem" sheds many connotations current with Augusta. Desolate, crime ridden and ignorant are 3 common cites given by people complaining of the city. They are rightfully justified, but fixable. 

     A vibrant and walk-able Downtown will bring consumers, service sector jobs and residents that starting leaving Downtown Augusta in the 1960's and, until very recently, just started coming back. The problems are outlined, in more depth, in this report and they co-incide currently with Augusta lacking a true Downtown economy. By simply reverting to the old populations of the cities core, we can see major growth in all economic indicators, both technical and common sense. The cycle and speed that this happens is crucial for long term growth. As Augusta grows, these entrepreneurs, and to a lesser degree, politicians, will shape and decide the branding of our city. The "Southern Gem strategy that I have in mind is the most cost effective and most advantageous for us to strive together for, is because we are just achieving our natural potential. It is not any doing of the current populace that gave us the real estate stock in Downtown Augusta, nor the economic needs of it in the past. We were given these assets an should exploit them to the max, to compete with others, whom are doing quite well at it. 

     The "Contagion" effect of renovated buildings and historical homes being brought back to pristine condition is a true effect. It is similar to "The Jones" affect in suburban places, where neighbors subconsciously compete with each other in physical displays of wealth and power. It is as old as mankind itself and a true phenomenon to see. The most physical example of this that comes to mind is the Widows Home, in Olde Town. When it was renovated (Picture below). The city of Augusta and other government entities have spent tax dollars on areas already and have made the first steps into some of the most undesirable of real estate. This a free invitation to piggyback on the back of the infrastructure set by the public money. This is not how I would like it to be, but it is inevitable to accept the money and live with it. If we are to reform later and pay a cost for malinvestment, then it will be a huge mistake. I, however, think that this is similar to a corporation buying back outstanding stock. 

     The city will gain, in property taxes indirectly, much more than the original investment, even adjusted for inflation, opportunity cost and other measures. The investment may be indicative of a Donald Trump kind of ROI (Return on Investment), of 50%+ in 2-3 years. This is partially the city playing the timing game of booms, busts and sideways markets and partially the cities determination to hit areas for strictly the best ROI, or other reasons. In politics, it is usually command style and areas are chosen before even considering, in detail, other investing grade opportunities. This is somewhat expected, the government is not a business and not there to make a absolute profit on a deal, that is left to the cunning entrepreneurs. There will be some areas that are timed wrong for the market needs and others are in a secular decline for some micro-climate variables (This means like a single criminal gang being exceptionally brutal and menacing to the rule of law that is crucial for commerce. It is a mathematical anomaly, an unforeseen affect that is under no control of the entrepreneur. This is more in the nature of investing itself, than in the particular circumstance of the city government of Augusta plopping down hundreds of thousands of dollar in a non-rational investor mindset (Not driven strictly by ROI).

     The bad affects of the city spending money on projects like this is that the private sector in Augusta cannot control the cycle of redevelopment for areas not participating in, without having political clout to gain support in their independent projects. For example, if the government is spending all of the money on Downtown projects and not in redeveloping South Augusta, or Central Augusta neighborhoods, then many private investors will not receive the same backing that the government gives to locations in Downtown. The Private sector of redevelopment is not wholly restricted, as circumstances are going to be found by any good real estate firm to church a profit, but the massive tie to the public money first being used is addictive and messes with long term plans on natural growth in the cities markets. The government is much harder to predict than the natural economic patterns observed by the participants that control them. It is easy for the Real Estate agent to see the booming of a neighborhood through the price of the houses and that further appreciation is possible, but with the nature of these large Downtown projects, such as the numerous investments going on in Laney-Walker, Bethlehem, Harrisburg and East Augusta the method is screwed as instantly as the announcement of the investment is made. The winners and losers were victim to a 3rd participant for their outcome and it is controversial and usually unseen or acknowledged due to the complexity of the economics and confusion of the political rhetoric. 

     It is important, as an entrepreneur to think about how an environment will change in a couple years. You have to factor, into the timeline, many components and the lack of vision in an area, or leadership, can cause a shortage of investments into a truly intrinsically valuable area. 

     With the secular trend of urban centers making most of the worlds wealth through service sector jobs (Scientific/Medical Research, High Finance, Doctors, Entertainers, Academics...) there is a demand for urban center property for business and residence. The cheapness of the cost of doing business relative to other markets, even to other South-East Medium sized cities, is comparable considering Augusta has access to I-20, soon to be the expanded Port of Savannah, Jacksonville-Harts-field in Atlanta and an abundance of able labor for manufacturing, military and medical based businesses. 

(Augusta has a very large supply of historical homes and can do well to restore as many as possible and destroy the rest)

(459 Greene Street, a truly beautiful buildings that speaks of the modest wealth of Augusta residents compared to the massive houses seen in the more prosperous Southern Gems like New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah. These smaller historic homes will become occupied and enjoyed by another set of citizens. to maintain unique houses like this is a true advantage over other places in America for culture)

Sample Project for the sole purpose of the betterment of Augusta and her economy

     Sadie Square- This will be  multilevel shopping plaza located in the heart of Downtown Augusta. The building will be ranging from small shops and kiosks on the perimeters to a community wal mart in the core of the 3 block development. The integration of multiple structures into one consistent theme and renovation will add much value in the real estate itself, and the bringing in of higher quality retail space in Downtown Augusta will be welcomed by many consumers, who are bustling out of Martinez, Evans and Aiken's robust consuming power. 

     Walton Square- This will be a small plaza park with artwork attesting to the medical district and those in the Augusta Medical sector. It can be quite a small brick enclosed courtyard with small brick walls on traffic sides and shade trees next to benches. This will boost, even for just a small amount, the medical district tourist feel. It will not necessarily due anything to the research and work based trips of many people who come to the Medical District of town but it will invoke a stronger sense of purpose for the area. The artwork can also give rise to a better art scene in Augusta, whether it is to be a strength of the city or not.

     Oglethorpe Tower- This will be a 10 foot skyscraper on the Augusta Commons. The lack of modern office space in the heart of Augusta is not good for companies who come to visit the city and possible invest money here. They will have to build their own building with no modern space Downtown large enough to house more than a couple thousand workers.

By being 10 stories tall the amount of space is not to much for Augusta. The addition of a second similar tower could be in the future, the height over the city affords an unimpeded view also due to the lack of similarly tall structures. Being on the Common already cuts the need for a break room and banks/restaurants/housing being close by will add indirectly to every workers productivity. 

The company that builds it will have such prime real estate use at one stipulation, they must improve the Commons and spend what they would have otherwise on a small Plaza or improvements on the Commons instead. The replacing of benches and other wear and tear of use could be worked out between the city and company, both paying half maybe. The added parking could be used for parking (Fro a fee of course) for people attending events at the Common. 

     Museum of southern culture- This is a very interesting concept and idea. The economies of scale for the city of Augusta scream that this is impossible, but the appeal and draw of Southern culture is in one way, anti-city. Augusta is truly a representative of Southern Culture, it will be a relevant place to house the cultural items and information that will be inside. The use of a small and thrifty location on broad Street, somewhat close to the Museum of Augusta already present on Broad & 6th Street. 

The Museum can be brought into existence by a person setting up a charity for tax deduction reasons. The appeal of a Southern Museum will draw eyes and funding from many Southern Culture fanatics. The sponsoring of such instills pride in them and if the focus is kept right, they should continue to give, items and cash. 

     Tower of Augusta- This could be a residential space next to the J. B Whites building on broad Street. It will have to be the tallest building in Augusta to achieve the fame and buzz needed to sell well. The lack of high end urban living will be a long term growth area in Augusta, as it has no base right now and it seems this kind of living is more the regular custom. The Tower must do all it can to scream Modern to stand out in the historical sight of Augusta, glass all around or some shiny silverish metal will do well to stand out.

The Tower will have to compete with 1st 7th street on height customers and the J. B Whites building on quality. The tower, being new, can emphasize much better barriers of property for the area. The parking lot will undoubtedly go behind the building, next to a police station and the J. B Whites parking garage. The use of cameras and lighting will all add to he effectiveness of each other. The increase foot traffic could alone push the perception of this area in another path. the opening of such amenities on Broad Street makes this a good sounding idea personally. The Tower would do well to diversify the upper end residential options for the whole CSRA.

     Augusta Architecture row- This could be a small exhibit on the River-walk where old buildings are up-heaved and put on the river. Specifically Architecture from different eras and styles to directly put next to each other, examples of world styles in Augusta settings. This will have to be undoubtedly publicly funded and could be to expensive, but would make a definite impact on the the weekly walk down the River-walk. 

This may be able to coincide with the Museums and the Marriott, it would add to the history buff's impression of the city and leave the Marriott residents with at least the exposure of Augusta architectural distinctions.

     Education BLVD- this could be a collection of A.R Johnson, Davidson and C.T Walker all in the same building and in the same high school. the Central location be next to the Medical District and this could help incorporate future cooperation between the whole education center in Augusta. This could give high school kids in A.R Johnson the chance to gain vital college experience before evening graduating. They can see for themselves the medical profession.

     Davidson will do well to be in a college atmosphere, even n a Medical one, and with the linking together of GRU campuses it may due very well to have the kids at this school also influenced by a stream of older students in their sight. 

     C.T Walker is much more confusing and I do not think they will change if moved to a central location. IT is important know that I am only talking of housing them closely, the autonomy of each school and organizational structure will be the same. 

     News Corner- This can be a sign on a corner, that has a ticker tape at the bottom, that releases breaking news, the weather and maybe some twitter feeds from people in Augusta. This could all be ran with the Augusta Chronicle, the news stations and the city government to fund it and to maintain it. The restaurant around the corner will enjoy the added feature to eating in front of their restaurant  as you can sort of read the news and get caught up on whatever may have happened since the last time you watched the news. There could be some print advertisement beside it in all directions, similar to Times Square.

     Euro Plaza- This can be a small plaza on the river-walk  where the countries of Europe are each outlined, in brick, with their flags poles coming up from their capitals. This will help to show the world that Augusta participates in the world economy  and our largest trading block partner is in the mind of the cities businessman. This is one of the cheaper projects on this list, as it just requires some bricks, brickwork, a small patch of land and about 33 flags and flag poles. It will have a big effect on our currently lacking international appeal. 

     Veterans pool- This could be a large reflecting pool, on Greene Street, that has all of the veterans that have fought in the recent wars names etched into the stone. The pool can be done in Georgia Granite and fashioned into the line of other war memorials on Greene. People can throw pennies into the water and read some poetry or quotes appropriate to such a memorial. There can be some military statues that show modern equipment and uniform to reflect the current citizens memorial to such actions. 

     Pilgrims Path- This can be arrows on signs, that look alike and share a common path that shows the follower all of the churches in Downtown Augusta. There are plenty of churches to make the route long and to brand the tour as such will show people the religiosity of Augusta. 

     The kitchen garden- This could be a public park/private business area where the city owns the land and lets people grow produce in the park itself from other plots. This project would attract people who want to take care of a garden, but sometimes cannot tend daily to it and those who do not have the land to garden anyway. There will be people who simply want food that will shop, but the appeal of green and organic farming will draw in higher income consumers. There could be a fee for membership that will allow people into the fenced garden area and they will shop similarity to a grocery store. There will be some plots open all the time to sell their produce and the market will dictate if more or less should open. The main point of this project is pulling those who work at the farmers market and the flea market to come Downtown. It presents an area of growth for any of these produce sellers and at a much higher margin for their best quality then the homogeneous flea and farmers market.

     Park of Georgia- This can be a park with a grass and brick outline of the state of Georgia. It can include points where Georgian cities are and have a small sign with information about the city above its spot on the map. This will appeal to people in Augusta from other places in Georgia and to reinforce associations of Augusta being connected to these places and in a similar circumstance in many cases. The feeling of Augusta being in the world is important to focus on in these projects and this one shows that Augusta is thinking of other places.

Ideas for North Augusta

     Sky-deck North Augusta- This could be a very small and affordable sky-walk that brings you up to a tall distance to enjoy the good view that North Augusta has of Augusta. It could be built right next to the Municipality building (Which is very new and the most amazing building in the metro for its size and cost) and the use of it could lead to a break with the municipality or Downtown workers. There is no river-walk in N. Augusta and a deck, about 20 feet in the air, being about 25 ft long and wide, on a gradual ramp, overlooking Augusta seems to be an appropriate filler for something to enjoy the sight of the river from. this may work out sell and be used frequently fast, as many people already stop and view the scene already, including me. The new construction will simply add to the vibe of N. Augusta, the whole city seems to be new lumber. 

     South Augusta wall of history- This could be a painting that could take the role of the portrayl of the bible to the illiterate through images and stories. The rolling down of the charter papers of James Oglethorpe in 1732 can be the first scene followed by Deke Copenhaver on the last. This is again to capitalize on the historical character of Augsta and t try and establish a brand of history connected with the name.

     Southern Baptist in South Augusta- This could be a network of preachers that could help to familiarize and build on the sense of community in South Augusta. It will be crucial with this being the largest area, in size and population, in Augusta and it falling so rapidly into crime and blight. This could mainly help troubled youth have a role model, a place to stay and some food to eat to keep them from turning to crime for reasons borne of true poverty. 

     Gilbert Gardens- This could be a garden sponsored by the city that lets people walk around, exchange plants and learn about ow to care for their plants and yards. There is plenty of public land in the area that could be utilized and the added culture will do wonders for the residents, especially the older ones, who lack a lot of outdoor activities or social area like this. The spreading of ideas and knowledge from the older generation to the younger could inspire and keep alive the attachment to the kitchen garden, the corn field or the peach orchards. Gardening itself should be encouraged by the city and is a healthy food choice and exercise in the heat. The gardens could be named after John Gilbert, a black man from Hephzibah who went on to Paine College and attended The American School of Classics, in Greece. The garden can do something to expose his history to the citizens and inspire them to further education.  

     Downtown South Augusta- This can be an effort, by both the state, city and private investors, with a heavy ratio steered towards the private investors end. This project is obviously large, given its name and will be along the lines of what scale is needed to reverse the flow of business from South Augusta into other regions of the CSRA, and from the CSRA as a whole. 

     This can be a project to increase the walkabaility and urban settings of the area of Windsor Spring Road and Peach Orchard. The area is one of the most vibrant on this side of town and was the earlier effort at improved retail with the locating of a Lowe's and other small retail location in the early 2000's. The business has done relatively well, to my anecdotal analysis of how packed their parking lot is and how full the carts are being pushed out. This location is in a long term growth trend from the increasing population in the radius and the clumping together of business already in the area.

     Many projects and ideas like this come with expensive price tags and a sweet deal for the private investors and a shitty deal on the mass of the citizens. I think that by simply fulfilling the roles that each player expects from the other, we can find a good mix. For example, it is wholly and gully under the duty of the city to provide sidewalks, decent roads and cops for the area. They should work with the private developers to make more custom sidewalks and maybe some added amenities, like benches, for the general enjoyment of the citizens. The city is not expected to add signage, give property, give tax breaks or other features that commonly outline these forms of deals. If the free market cannot support it, it should not be so to begin with.

     The main feature of this area is the intersection of Windsor Spring and Peach Orchard. the East part of the intersection is the main place for the new structures and renovations. This project requires a lot of hypothetical and for simplicity, lets assume that every party works perfectly in con-tandem and everyone is getting a good deal. In that deal, lets assume that Walgreen's will cede their property, under circumstances that they are given precedence in renting an exactly similar space, in square feet, signage and access to the roads. lets assume that Veracruz, the Mexican restaurant in front of Lowe's, will be bought out and could stay and bolster the area. The Jiffy Lube can be moved and given similar circumstances to Walgreens. The whole idea for this is making these business more lined up, in a walk-able path, and in less need of driving to and fro. 

     The Shops behind Mcdonalds can stay where they are, but they will need some new windows, siding paving and roofs. Mcdonalds, KFC and the Sprint gas station should be bought out and moved to new buildings  further from the road. The small shopping center where blockbuster once was can also be demolished. The opening of the road to the sight of the road will give a unique urban shopping experience. There will be less need of people driving with the shops linked with a massive and connected walkway. 

     The customers that would be brought here would be the usual workers in these businesses in the area, the people of the neighborhood, but more importantly, the people of Burke County, East Augusta, Central Augusta and other places of South Augusta. 

     A new shopping center can be assembled in the Lowe's parking lot that starts the walkway that encircles the area. The main emphasis is to improve walk-ability and the flow of commerce. With more people coming through and people engaged to walk past the business, more service businesses will emerge and the division of labor will proceed to create a lot of value for citizens that otherwise would have to travle to Broad Street, or maybe further to get. I am referring to good spaces for barber shops, accountants, lawyers, event planners, dentists, daycare's, restaurants, banks and of course retail. 

     The shopping center itself needs to be a place where people can sit in the shade. There should be sheltered places for the short winter also. The consuming class of this area always compani of the lack of things to do in this area and a stroll or 2 around these shopping plazas will encourage a chance for the displaying of merchandise, a satisfied time for the consumer and it leads to more citizens crossing paths and exchanging info. Augusta has very few areas like this and to set forth with a project this big would require looking at other plans, maybe in European countries with high densities and similar projects and see how they worked out. Whatever can be done to draw people together should be emphasized. The critical mass of having enough people in an area could later be used for concerts and fairs even. The upgrading of the walking infrastructure of the area will also set it up better for its long term growth in the regular growth for the CSRA. 

     5,000- This project could be to remove 5,000 abandoned structures in the Augusta area. The removal of blight and eyesores are one of the only proven ways to increase the tax base, drop crime and improve the atmosphere of a neighborhood. The removal of 5,000 of these inhibitors to growth, could set off a true catalyst for much larger things for Augusta. To know that the city is not interested in maintaining its drug shacks and that we are looking forward is taking a page from the book of Atlanta. The preservation of history is of course important, I have emphasized other preservation projects in this report and this is a preservation project in the sense that some must fall for others to be saved. We can either watch the masses of our buildings fall into general disrepair, or we can pick the most distinctive, most speaking of their style and most historic and do away with the rest. This can be done slowly in different regions, to encourage private investors to pick up parcels of the better properties and restore them, with assurance that the city will rid the block of those abandoned buildings that would inhibit growth around it. 

(A family once lived here, they bought groceries, clothes, consumer goods and worked, or ran a business in the area. They contributed to the "Block" economy, the city economy, the state economy  and the American economy)

     I sincerely think this is the #1 thing that Augusta can do with its money and resources. We have a huge vacancy rate and to remove many of these old homes will free up land for non-residential uses and for new housing that takes up more room with less people occupying it. The heavy grid pattern days of mill towns are not in demand for the general market, but with 2 lots available as a yard, or 3, or even 4, more housing demands can be met on that land. 

(These historic looking shotgun houses are at the end of Grand BLVD, I have driven past the plenty of times and find them so interesting and perplexing as a problem. The area has a lot of manufacturing, warehousing and locomotive businesses in the area and a polluted soil making a turnaround hard and quite unlikely. The value that could be added to the cities tax base by turning properties like this from liabilities into assets for the city is worth tens of millions of dollars in future tax money. It is a very simple concept, the city can invest in itself and give an emotional uplift to the area, it is hard to imagine why something like this idea will not take off in reality)

     Think of a neighborhood like Bethlehem with the majority of its housing and structures torn down. It will be an opportunity for people to come in from around the city and make a place for themselves. The neighborhood could embrace diversity and change and the new citizens will undoubtedly breathe new life into the place and create an environment a little more antagonistic to drug dealing and crime. The long term health of the neighborhood will be vastly improved and there can be a high preservation rate in some parts, it will be a marketing advantage later on, but it is important to act early to save some of these marginally dilapidated places. It is important to go ahead and accept the losses of these historic buildings and try to save the ones that can be saved and give this neighborhood a reason for turning around. The city again, must take first lead on this, it is bold to spend the amount needed and to demolish an entire sector. But I think, again, sincerely, that it will be best for the resident of Bethlehem, Augusta and the CSRA. 

(The Johnson House has plans to be renovated. You just cannot replace houses like this and they provide a huge differentiation to other cities for travelers and citizens perception and are one of the only places Augusta can compete with other Southern gems in)

     Auto District- This could be a designated area for automobile sectors. It already does a fair share of business, but with the advertising  collectively through co-op agreements, could really help it compete with smaller auto districts that cannot compete on size. The division of further and further refined trades will find there way here and are doing so right now.