Posted August 13th, 2013 by Robert Jahn & filed under News.
Driggers Commercial Group enjoys working with our Government Officials to help improve the Golden Isles Community and facilitate business commerce for Coastal Georgia. Read below for an update on activities for the City of Brunswick, GA from City Commissioner-Julie Martin.
As a City Commissioner I have been working diligently with a vision for the future in looking at key elements and assets of our downtown area in an effort to push revitalization forward now that the economy is recovering.
-Mary Ross Waterfront Park & City Dock: The City has been awarded (funds to be presented in October) a pre-planning grant as part of DNR Coastal Incentive Grant Program. These funds will be used to evaluate current condition of dock structure support pilings, solicit community input for redesign of docks with potential of opening up the “blue ways” with activities such as kayaking, day docking tie up, sailing club & regattas, boat excursions, etc. and explore feasibility of constructing a floating tree dock which would increase waterfront activities. Design considerations for the park area itself could include an expanded fresh market area, large open but covered pavilion/gazebo structure as a venue for concerts, weddings, etc.; possible inclusion of riverfront restaurant space, small sundry shop, larger restroom facilities, irrigated landscaping and a line of swings similar to ones Beaufort has along their river front area.
-Reconfiguration of Bay Street: Multiple conversations have taken place with GDOT and businesses dependent on trucks using this commercial thruway to the Port from either Hwy 17 or Hwy 341. The existing curb cut side to side is very generous and can be reconfigured while maintaining four lanes and still offer safe passage of pedestrian traffic crossing from downtown to the waterfront activities and Brunswick Marina.
-Oglethorpe Block: This project involves SPLOST IV and V funds of nearly $3M from both city and county. The city and county own the two block area and green space at the split of Bay and Newcastle as approached from Hwy 341 south into downtown. This redevelopment project will include a meeting facility capable of seating 300 for a dinner or being partitioned into smaller meeting rooms, caterer’s kitchen, (hopefully a rooftop venue!), parking, first floor retail/offices. The city and county would hope to leverage a partnership for the construction of a boutique hotel along Bay Street on the backside. The green space at the split would be nicely landscaped as a gateway entry point into the city.
-Comprehensive Signage Program: As part of the Gateways Initiative, an outgrowth of the county’s strategic plan, the City is evaluating existing directional signage from all major arteries coming into the city. Based on that information, a comprehensive and uniform signage program can be established and coordinated within the same design framework as the county and CVB.
-Queen Square: Signature Squares of Brunswick is currently soliciting funding for the renovation of the four quadrants of Queen Square situated at the south end of downtown and bisected by Mansfield Street at Newcastle Street. Old City Hall sits on the SW quadrant. Landscape plans are being designed for the NW quadrant which has the Columbia Downing Bench located in it and bordered by the old Bijou Theatre at 1313 Newcastle. As these four quadrants of prime green space are renovated this will pull more activities toward the south end of the downtown area.
These four or five projects will be instrumental in moving Brunswick forward as a terrific location to invest money both from a real estate standpoint but also from a small business standpoint. The City will continue to focus on new housing development and upgrading existing housing.
Huntley Allen
December 18th, 2013
We are so proud of Julie and the rest of the City and County and CVB for the collaborative Gateways Initiative and all the efforts towards the revitalization of the waterfront of Historic Brunswick. We also thank all of the citizens who have supported Save Our Gateways for the last decade and appreciate all the professional support along the way, including Driggers own, Robert Jahn. For more information on all the history and potential of our fair city and the Golden Isles, please visit SaveOurGateways.com and contact us for more information. Congratulations to us all for the efforts on behalf of our community!