Macon-Bibb County will continue its attack on blight and improving safety in District 9 with the demolition of three dilapidated structures at 3996 Napier Avenue (two structures) and 3980 Grand Avenue. Demolition will begin Monday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem and District 9 Commissioner Al Tillman, Fire Chief Marvin Riggins, Sheriff David Davis, and Blight Consultant Cass Hatcher will be on hand near the corner of Napier Avenue and Mercer Street for media interviews.
“We are continuing to fight blight and improve public safety in District 9 and all over Macon-Bibb County,” says Mayor Pro Tem Tillman. “I want this project to be an example that can be used in other neighborhoods: using both Blight Remediation Program and SPLOST funds and exceptional cooperation between our departments and agencies.”
These demolitions are part of a larger strategy to improve the neighborhood that includes other demolitions and the construction of the Bert Bivins Fire Stations and Sheriff’s Precinct. The demolitions (along with two previous and several more to come) are being paid for with $160,000 from Blight Remediation Program funds allocated to District 9. The first two demolitions were in March 2017, and you can watch a video on that effort by clicking here.
The new facility is being built using $2,250,000 in voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds and in-kind services from firefighters. The building was designed by BTBB, Inc. and built by Warren Associates. It will replace the Breezy Hill fire station on Forsyth Street and the precinct at 600 Pio Nono Avenue.
“Our new facility will improve response times in this area because crews and trucks will be able to get in and out of the station much quicker,” says Fire Chief Marvin Riggins. “We also will be able to work more with the community because of our proximity to residents and the community rooms available in the building.”
“This new facility, our closer proximity to the firefighters, and the attack on blight will have a major positive impact on this area, and one we’re very much looking forward to being a part of it,” says Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.
Construction on the new facility began in April 2017, and the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office will be moving into the building in the next few weeks. A video of the Groundbreaking Ceremony can by watched by clicking here.
