Grocery store grant has Augusta leaders talking when and where

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – In the Laney Walker-Bethlehem area, it’s a major issue: not having a retail grocery store.

“Yes, it’s inconvenient; real inconvenient. We need one down here bad, really bad, so I hope those commissioners come on and do something,” said Arthur Brown.

A commission committee clearing the way for the city to receive a half a million-dollar Community Foundation grant that will aid in the development of a grocery store in the central businesses district.

“It allows for in-depth planning. It will allow in some aspects acquisition to sort of move forward with some aspects as well. I’m really excited about this commitment. It shows they are for year,” said Housing and Community Development Director Hawthorne Welcher.

Over the last 15 years as redevelopment has taken place in Laney Walker, there has been talk of needing a grocery store, and now, Welcher says a groundbreaking breaking could be measured in months.

“What we’re looking at, I guess, is over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Welcher.

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Another question is where, and some commissioners point to the Armstrong Galleria on Laney Walker.

“I think it would be an ideal place. I’m not saying that’s where it’s going to be. I think that is a good place for it to be,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.

“I’m hoping we can do something over there. We’ve had a grocery store over there. I’m hoping that’s the location,” said Commissioner Bobby Williams.

“Armstrong Galleria?” 

“Don’t want to speak to that. I will abstain from that. What I will say there is a viable site,” said Welcher.

“I don’t care where it should go as long as they got one down here,” said Brown.

In the Laney Walker area, grocery store is on the list.

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