WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins city leaders say they're putting a big focus on revitalizing Commercial Circle this year. Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says they want to finally turn years of promises into action.
"2024, the year of execution, you're going to see a lot of great things," Patrick said.
She says that includes their future downtown space located in Commercial Circle.
"You're going to see our plans when it comes to walking and biking trails, our plans when it comes to Perkins Field," Patrick said.
Plus, she says more building demolitions. The city tore down its first building on Watson Boulevard in December.
Community and Economic Development Director Kate Hogan says next month they're planning to knock down a row of four buildings on South Commercial Circle.
"During our acquisition, we found asbestos in some of the floor tiles," Hogan said.
Hogan say the city bought the land at 100-111 South Commercial Circle in December 2022. Council documents show that the city will spend about $62,000 on asbestos removal and demolition of the structure. About $20,000 comes from SPLOST funds.
"We want to be good stewards of the environment and need to work on remediation of the asbestos before demolition can proceed," Hogan shared.
They're working to fix contaminated soil found in the quadrant where the water tower sits. Hogan says they have plans in place to remove it, build on clean land and open healthy buildings.
"We're strategically working through all of our buildings in determining if they can be saved," she said.
Patrick says they don't expect the next demolition to have negative impacts on surrounding businesses. She says they have worked with EPA, buildings and inspections and other organizations to make sure they're following protocol.
"We have at least three layers of protection to make sure we're not putting anyone at risk," she said.
Patrick says she hopes to be reelected for a second term and continue to work on the development. She hopes that this will be up and running by the end of that second term in 2030.