On Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. crews will begin demolishing three blighted houses in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood as part of the ongoing revitalization efforts in the area.  

The houses at 365, 373, and 381 Monroe Street will be demolished following a press conference at 381 Monroe Street Thursday morning. Among those in attendance will be Mayor Lester Miller, Commissioner Virgil Watkins, and representatives from organizations who have made this possible, such as the Macon-Bibb County Community Enhancement Authority.

This demolition will not only beautify the area but make it a safer community for those who visit the newly renovated Booker T. Washington Community Center (401 Monroe Street).

“Fighting blight has become a major goal of mine for many reasons,” says Mayor Miller. “The biggest one is to make sure our community feels safe. I want them to be able to walk down the street and access these incredible resources at the Booker T. Washington Community Center without any fear. These demolitions are just another step toward that goal.”

The Booker T. Washington Community Center reopened its doors in April 2021. Since then, eight different organizations use the Center, about 65 children attend the Center every day for summer programs, and it has once again become the hub of the neighborhood where people can come in to ask questions and get involved in the community.

“The center's presence in the community is imperative to aid in the concerted effort to stabilize and empower the residents so they can take part in the growth of their neighborhood,” says Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Community Enhancement Authority Tedra Huston. “With the residents knowing the facility is open, it gives them a feeling they have support from Macon-Bibb County.”  

Macon-Bibb County will live stream the press conference and demolition on our Facebook page.