The Columbia County Public Facilities Authority approved an application from the city of Harlem to issue $4 million in revenue bonds.
Harlem City Manager Debra Moore said the two projects the city is working on are moving the public works building and building a multi-purpose park. The moving of the public works building is part of the redevelopment of the New Street area in downtown Harlem.
“Public works is currently located on New Street, and we’re looking to move them out to a piece of property that we own out here off of Campbells Way,” Moore said. “The area where they’re moving from is where Back Paddle Brewery, which is in Lincolnton, their second location is going to be opening. Part of the redevelopment is us moving and that’s where we’re looking to go.”
The multi-purpose park will be at the old North Harlem Elementary School, which the city purchased from the Board of Education. The conceptual plans for this project include a veteran’s memorial, playground, splash pad, pickleball courts, disc golf area, reflection pond and a walking trail, Moore said.
“(There’s also) a couple of gazebos and pavilions and then big greenspace area,” Moore said. “We also purchased, what was included in that purchase was the area that they had the football field that had a walking track around it. So that is part of this.”
Moore said the city wants an area that Harlem residents and anyone else can enjoy.
As for why the city went through the PFA, Moore said it was a good opportunity.
“I think it was an opportunity to work with the county and we were also…we are looking to do some investments with some funds that we have on hand that is what we’re hoping in the end is going to save some money on the projects in the long run,” Moore said.
As for when the work will be done, Moore said they are hoping to get the public works facility moved sometime next year and for the multi-purpose park to be finished by December 2025.
A validation hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18 and closing is expected to take place on Dec. 20.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
