I like the fact that North Augusta is growing. However, before the city advances their Riverside program, I would rather they concentrate on the empty stores we now have.
I would also prefer that they deal more effectively with some of the traffic issues. The buildings (the original Wal-Mart and the old Kroger stores) are eyesores. Both would make very good mini-malls with lots of different stores, rather than leaving them empty.
But if they remain empty, the city should create a law stating that any store that remains empty for more than a few years, should be torn down by the owner and returned to its natural state.
Someone may not want an old building, but may be willing to build a new one on empty land. The old Clearwater mill is a perfect example as to why this should be done.
As for the traffic, anyone driving along Georgia Avenue at rush hour would have to agree that the intersection of Martintown Road and Georgia Avenue needs attention. Turn lanes should be created so that people don't have to wait for the signal two or three times to get through the intersection. Also the shrubbery on all corners should be trimmed back severely to allow clear vision when turning right on red.
The new stop light in front of the new municipal building should be removed. All this will do is back traffic up across the bridge. You can take the backstreet to the light up by the gas station if you need the light to make a turn. And a law should be created to prevent use of too many lights in too short a distance. Otherwise anyone who can pay for it will clog our roads.
Sincerely,
Mark Putnam
