On Monday, July 6, Macon-Bibb County, the Macon-Bibb Transit Authority, and area leaders will have the chance to learn more about Proterra’s electric bus technology and ride one through Downtown Macon. The presentation and tour will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Macon Terminal Station and will include representatives from Macon-Bibb, MTA, partner organizations interested in improving Downtown, and the media through the city as a demonstration
In 2011, Macon began a planning for the redevelopment and revitalization of the Second Street Corridor as a “multi-modal spine” from East Macon and I-16, through Downtown, past Mercer University, and to I-75. It would connect residential areas, businesses, universities, medical facilities, and government facilities to each other while linking two regionally significant facilities, I-16 and I-75.
Part of that plan is for Second Street to become a “complete street” which would include a transit alternative for connecting east and west Macon needed to be identified that could serve as a backbone to a larger regional system. It was originally discussed that a fixed light rail system would connect the different areas, but the electric bus system is currently being explored due to its cost and efficiency, as well as its success in other cities.
“An electric bus system could provide us a way to bring a fixed transit system to the Second Street Corridor sooner than anticipated and allow us to begin exploring how to expand to other areas of Macon-Bibb,” says Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert.
In late February, a team from Macon-Bibb County, the Macon Transit Authority, and Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) visited Tallahassee, FL, to learn more about its electric bus system. The team was able to meet with the Mayor of Tallahassee, transit leadership and employees, and representatives from the Center for Transportation and the Environment.
“We are preparing our city for the needs of its residents, businesses, and visitors now and for the next several decades,” says Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert. “People returning to a more urban lifestyle – instead of a suburban lifestyle – are looking for other ways to get around on a regular basis, like walking, biking, and viable public transit.”
The redevelopment and revitalization of the Second Street Corridor is a major project in Macon-Bibb County’s Forward Together Strategic Plan. This project is identified in the Infrastructure Improvement Strategic Focus Area, while the Vision Block is a part of Safe Neighborhoods and Safe Neighborhoods Area. The creation of greenspace and parks (including MidCity Square and Pinnacle Park) will improve the Quality of Life for residents, visitors, and employees all along the Corridor.
About the Forward Together Strategic Plan
Since January 2014, Macon-Bibb County worked with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to develop its first Forward Together Strategic Plan. This process lasted more than a year and involved multiple retreats, work sessions, and meetings with department heads, organizations, and stakeholders. The planning process was funded with a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The planning process helped develop the consolidated government’s new Mission and Vision statements, as well as identify five Strategic Focus areas that are helping focus service delivery, programs, and initiatives: Economic and Community Development; Safe Neighborhoods and Safe Communities; Efficient and Effective Government; Infrastructure Improvement; and Quality of Life.
The new Strategic Plan was the driving force behind the development of the proposed FY2016 budget, which was presented to the Commission on May 12. Included in that proposal are full implementation of the new pay scale, elimination of double taxation, and a capital improvement program focused on strategic projects.
About the Second Street Corridor
The Second Street Corridor redevelopment and revitalization project was started with funding from the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Eight million dollars was designated to improve the area that stretches from East Macon through Downtown, connecting to Little Richard Penniman and Mercer University Boulevards, and creating gateways into Macon-Bibb at either end. Long-term, Macon-Bibb County wants to extend the Corridor further west along Mercer University Boulevard to the Macon Mall and Middle Georgia State College.
This past December, Macon-Bibb County reopened the block of Second Street between Cherry and Poplar Streets as a Vision Block for the Corridor to show people what will the entire street will look like. It features bike lanes, reverse angle parking, landscaping, shade trees, benches, improved sidewalks, an irrigation system, and more. In addition to the work being completed with SPLOST funds, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, and the Macon Water Authority used this opportunity to upgrade and improve its electrical system to meet the growth taking place Downtown.
MaconBibbTV was there to cover the creation of the Vision Block, and you can watch that coverage – including interviews, improvements, and more – by clicking here for the closure of the block and clicking here for its reopening.
Mid-City Square, a new park located at the intersection of Second and Pine Streets, is currently being developed, and work is set to begin soon on the creation of Pinnacle Park on Second Street in the Tindall Heights neighborhood. Located on the site of the former Boys and Girls Club, Pinnacle Park will be a passive park with trails, benches, landscaping, and a great view of Downtown.
Using Tax Allocation District bond funding, Macon-Bibb will be building a signature pedestrian bridge over Mercer University Drive that will serve as a gateway into the city. Its construction helped bring almost $50 million in investment in Tindall Heights.