For its May Committee of the Whole Meeting, Mayor Miller and the Macon-Bibb County Commission took time to visit the site of multiple major projects already in development or set to begin soon.

“It’s one thing to discuss these projects and their details while sitting in Chambers in City Hall…it’s another thing to get out and see the sites for ourselves, to really get a good vision and understanding of what we’re discussing,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “We have a lot of major projects in the works – with more to come – and we wanted to make sure we all had the same understanding of our direction and this historic moment in our community’s history.”

The projects reviewed included:

• Lower Poplar Street Property – Land was purchased as a potential site should more space be needed for a jail or even a public safety center.

• Walnut Street entrance to Carolyn Crayton Park – The drainage in the area has long been an issue, causing major road decay at the entrance to one of our largest parks. Working with the Macon Water Authority, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern, a plan is being created to fix the drainage issue, repave the roads, and create a much more inviting entrance to the park that hosts so many events and festivals.

• East Bank Development – There has long been potential for the former Bibb Mill site on Coliseum Drive. to become a vibrant center of activity and a gateway from I-16 into both East Macon and Downtown. Because of the size of the property, its location on the interstate, and its proximity to Downtown, the Convention Center, and the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, estimated it could attract $350 million in private investment.

• New Macon Arena – With the current coliseum nearing 60 years old, it has become time to build a new, more modern arena to keep up with the needs of current sporting events, conventions, concerts, and more. Without it, Macon-Bibb will begin losing out on major tourism events.

• Renaissance on the River – Mercer University recently announced it would build its new medical school on the property along Riverside Drive near Spring Street, and it would be joined with lofts, retail, and a hotel.

• 108 First Street – The site of the former Ramada Hotel that was imploded on New Year’s Day, this site will be home to a new convention center and connecting hotel, helping Macon-Bibb – with its location in the center of the state – become a destination for statewide conferences and events. Its development will work in tandem with Renaissance on the River.

• Wesleyan Drive Community Center – The County purchased a piece of property in North Macon that already features several buildings and many acres of greenspace. The discussion now is how to best use it for the area to improve community and recreational opportunities.

• Eisenhower Corridor Lofts – The County – working with the Urban Development Authority – new lofts and retail will be built on the property across from the new Atrium Health Amphitheater and Macon Mall. It will help serve Central Georgia Technical College students.