At the most recent study session, North Augusta City Councilmembers got a glimpse at what new features the city could have in the future.
North Augusta Forward Executive Director Avery Spears-Mahoney updated councilmembers on the work being done by the design committee for amenities meant to enhance downtown North Augusta. She also explained the Main Street program’s study on economic development.
MORE: New Rules for North Augusta Nightlife
One thing she explained is “leakage,” which are financial benefits the city loses out on because North Augusta lacks certain types of businesses.
For example, in the category of full-service restaurants, North Augusta loses $12 million a year to other areas within a 30-minute drive. The study shows that could be changed with the addition of five full-service restaurants.
Other categories include specialty food stores, clothing stores and stores offering floral, gifts and art.
The study found North Augusta is doing well in two categories.
[adrotate banner=”54″]
“They found it very interesting that grocery stores and gas stations bring a ton of people into our community,” Spears-Mahoney explained. “The reason that’s interesting is because we have two gas stations downtown and we know people from Augusta are coming in to use that.”
The study also offered steps the city can take to be more attractive to visitors.
Touches as simple as adding flower baskets on light poles and hanging banners, benches in city greenspaces, murals on the sides of buildings and strategically-placed trash bins can give visitors a good first impression and make them want to return to North Augusta.
MORE: Costs Spiraling for New North Augusta Public Safety Headquarters
Mayor Briton Williams said, “I think if there’s a consensus from council, we could have Jim (Clifford) and Rachelle (Moody) say we like the benches, the trash cans, the bike racks, the flower baskets and let them work through what that looks like in terms of how many we can do in what year and what we can do in the budget.”
Several councilmembers asked about the cost of updating the amenities.
City Administrator Jim Clifford said the staff can begin looking at what money is available in the 2021 budget so if council votes in an upcoming regular meeting to begin the Main Street program, the city can begin adding improvements in an incremental way.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
[adrotate banner=”41″]
