Celebrating Milestones

Thanks to HGTV and the myriad of home improvement channels available now, we have more collective understanding about what it takes to rehabilitate a house. We can see behind the scenes, what's involved in getting a restaurant up and running. Skillful editing reveals some of the challenges, but not the weeks or months that are actually required.

Downtown redevelopment timelines are generally measured in years and decades. Often there is at least one economic downturn in the cycle. Pulling together multiple public and private entities toward one vision in a timely and affordable manner requires a persistent, diligent and patient team.

Longtime resident Sue Burel (center), Mayor Linda Blechinger (right), Council Member Peggy Langley, Public Works Dept. David Johnson

At the major milestones, like groundbreaking, it is worthwhile as a community to pause, celebrate, and reflect on all the work that has been done to date.

Auburn's Mayor and City Council made use of down time around the 2008 recession, leading big strides in the process of vision and strategic planning. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was formed to bring focus and legal tools to the effort. Gaining support for SPLOST funding, the years that followed saw the Perry-Rainey Center purchased and refurbished. Land was acquired for the new municipal complex development. Funding was established for sewer expansion to serve the new growth.

Economic Development efforts are ongoing, under the leadership of Chitra Subbarayan, to recruit businesses and unique projects that will feed into a vibrant downtown Auburn.

In 2018, Dave Schmit began work as Auburn's master development partner, guiding the city through the many development phases. A market study was done to determine how much new business and residential growth the city could absorb, and what price points would be reasonable to expect. A 3-day Charrette was held to sketch out a plan and develop some guidelines for key elements, such as the new City Hall complex. Refinements continue as more details are identified. Engineering design of site grading, road layout, utilities (storm/sewer/water) are placed, and environmental surveys addressed.

Bond issuance was approved in 2020, as a key funding component for City Hall construction and related design and infrastructure. Grants and private development contributions are also part of the funding strategy.

Working with Barrow County, work on sewer expansion is underway. Lift station relocation and improvements, new force mains and gravity lines will create the capacity needed to handle new growth.

Weekly meetings are held to track the progress of the many tasks happening on parallel paths. Keeping Auburn citizens up to date and involved continues to be a priority. Mayor & City Council and DDA meetings are often filled with project information and decisions to be addressed. As spring comes and more outdoor activity begins, all are welcome to follow the progress. www.DowntownAuburnGA.com