The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority hosted a public meeting to present the final designs for the proposed new James Brown Arena. The Oct. 21 session brought together members of the Augusta Commission, civic leaders and the general public.
Authority Vice Chairman Brad Usry opened the meeting with the numbers: more than $1 billion in anticipated new spending, estimated new earnings of $686 million, creating more than 630 new jobs and a facility that will host more than 8,000 events over the next 40 years.
Mike Harvey, a member of the Perkins and Will design team, walked the observers step-by-step through a series of slides showing the various levels and amenities that will be included in the new facility. The nearly 11,000-seat arena will include several concession areas and a suite level with private seating, open seating and loge seating for small groups.
“I love it. I absolutely love it. And why not Augusta?” said Ed Presnell, a former president and CEO of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Alvin Mason said this is a project that is long overdue.
“It’s a project that’s necessary that’s going to put us where we need to be now as the third-largest city and maybe we can get that second back,” he said. “When you look at the amenities, when you look at what we currently don’t have; our buildings are obsolete for entertainers.”
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Harvey also showed how the arena can be configured to accommodate a performance stage at one end or located in the center, the layout for basketball and events that require a dirt floor such as a rodeo or monster truck show. The assorted configurations did not include one for hockey games.
Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight thought the presentation was great, but people she has spoken with are on the fence about how to pay for it.
“I’m talking constituents and people out and about,” she said. “I think they have feelings that they don’t want to pay any more money.”
Commissioner John Clarke agreed.
“I think the biggest thing that anybody is even questioning is the tax going up on their homes,” said Clarke.
The meeting was held less than two weeks before voters will decide in a Nov. 2 special election on a bond referendum of up to $240 million to cover the construction. If approved, it will result in a tax increase on property owners. It will be a 2.7887 millage rate increase. For a $100,000 home, that translates to a tax increase of about $97.60 a year.
Advance voting in the special election continues in the Beazley Room in the municipal building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Oct. 25, in addition to the municipal building, advance voting will be available at the Henry Brigham, Warren Road and Robert Howard recreation centers from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
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