MACON, Ga. — Macon's seen a lot of growth in the last few years, especially in its downtown area.
NewTown Macon wants to keep the momentum going, so they're launching a third Macon Action Plan. They need your help narrowing down the options. Online, NewTown has a list of 17 action items they think will keep Macon from falling behind and bring it to the next level. They want to accomplish their goals in the next five years.
"It'd be more exciting if the kids could come down here and spend more time downtown, like put a park in the middle of downtown or something like that," Aaliyah Moore suggested.
It turns out Moore's suggestion is one of the options. A Cherry Street park would bring nature, seating and maybe even some pickleball courts to the Cherry and 5th Street intersection.
There's a lot more on the table, too, like increasing shade tree coverage. NewTown says that will lower sidewalk temperatures. Also in the plan is an entertainment district. Carl Rausch works part-time at Ocmulgee Outfitters and hopes there's a central place to promote all the unique acts.
"To find out what's going on on any particular weekend, or even a month in advance. And then, do a little bit better job of promoting some of the really high-end music and art that comes into Macon," Rausch said.
Past Macon Action Plans have led to projects like the Cotton Avenue Plaza and Ocmulgee Heritage Trail expansions.
Macon knows how to dream big, even if those dreams seem relatively small.
"Definitely think there's some good public seating options in some areas, but I think it could be more dispersed and widespread throughout other areas of the downtown," Sheala Hulbert said.
You can submit feedback on the plans right now on the Macon Action Plan website. The window closes on Wednesday.
NewTown says the focus is on the downtown area because it's the place that affects all of Macon-Bibb County. They hope a strong downtown will bring revenue, lowering property taxes while bringing in cash for schools and other services.
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