Friday, May 24, 2013
I have been a strong supporter of downtown revitalization in Augusta since the 1980s. I have a public record for conservation, historic preservation and economic development, and my advocacy continues today.
I believe it is important to follow the path to renewal and economic growth for this community. Credit for renewal begins with downtown business owner, Bennett Katz, and his initiation of Down Street '82. William Burney Jr. oversaw this vision, which included some dynamic architectural illustrations for reuse of the back of many buildings along the riverfront and an overhead connector to some of the buildings on Water Street. These renderings still exist today.
The Augusta Conservation Commission built the Waterfront Park in 1987.
In 1992, with the Heart of Augusta organization laid a serious foundation to downtown renewal with a comprehensive vision and vibrant process.
During 1998, the Edwards Dam was removed and the state gave the city some significant funding for downtown growth.
The latest effort to revitalize the downtown comes in the form of the Augusta Downtown Alliance, which has a strong board, a viable vision and the leadership of Larry Fleury former city councilor.
Mary D. Mayo-Wescott
Former at-large city councilor
Augusta
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