THOMASVILLE — Commenting on remarks made by West Jackson Street merchants about a streetscape plan, the Thomasville Planning and Zoning Commission chairman pointed out no one said it should not proceed.

“I did not hear anyone stand up and say ‘don’t do it.’ That was not part of the conversation,” said Chairman Haile McCollum.

McCollum, speaking at a Thomasville City Council workshop, was referring to a planning and zoning meeting last week at which a number of merchants voiced concerns about the project proposed from Madison Street to Remington Avenue.

Planning and zoning voted unanimously to recommend to Thomasville City Council that the project gets under way. The panel also voted for Phase II on West Jackson, a new streetscape from Remington Avenue to Bartow Street.

The next step, City Manager/Utilities Superintendent Steve Sykes said, is to gather public input and incorporate a plan to go back before planning and zoning. City council will have the final say-so on the project.

Sykes thinks the plan will be ready to move forward by early 2018.

The length of the project and how it effects businesses on the stretch are a concern, Mayor Greg Hobbs said.

City staff will meet with merchants to discuss the best time to do the work. Other concerns also will be discussed with business owners.

The work should be done as quickly as possible and at an appropriate time, Council member Max Beverly interjected.

A prolonged project could put a small store out of business, the mayor said.

Sykes said Individual ramps to the businesses are a possibility.

Most business have rear entrances, Assistant City Manager Lynn Williams pointed out.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820