With all precincts reporting, the bond referendum to build a new 10,000-seat arena has failed by a margin of 60 to 40%.
According to the district maps, voters living in downtown, east Augusta and areas around Fort Gordon overwhelmingly supported the measure which would have financed the proposed $240 million arena primarily by raising property taxes.
However, the majority of south and west Richmond County voted against the tax increase and ultimately, against building the new project which would replace the aging 5,000-seat James Brown Arena.
Tuesday’s vote also saw Phillip Stewart, the controversial mayor of Blythe turned out of office by a mere 33 votes. Stewart’s opponent, Curt St. Germaine won the election with a 56% majority.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
