West Jackson project could spur economic development

Published 1:30 pm Thursday, April 5, 2018

Illustration provided by the City of ThomasvilleA raised pedestrian crosswalk will be constructed on West Jackson Street and its intersection with Stevens Street. 

THOMASVILLE — The city’s Main Street director said Wednesday the West Jackson Street streetscape project will play an appreciable role in economic development.

“This is a huge economic development project,” April Norton told Thomasville City Council at a workshop.

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The project has resulted in four new businesses to date this year. Norton said two of the businesses moved from elsewhere to West Jackson. Five new businesses opened last year, and three are under contract.

The businesses have resulted in about 60 jobs, and one building remains empty.

Bids will be sought in mid-May for installation of underground utilities from Madison Street to Remington Avenue, with work to be done in July and August.

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Norton said West Jackson merchants prefer the work be done during the summer so it will not interfere with the Christmas shopping season.

“They went to be sure the momentum of the project is not lost,” Norton told council members.

Included in the $330,000 price tag for work this year is a wall to commemorate the area as “The Bottom.”

Phase II is expected to cost $1.8 million. Money to fund the overall project will come from special purpose local option sales tax revenue, among other sources.

Norton said the city will use city capital outlay funds and apply for a Georgia Department of Transportation grant for additional funding.

Phase II of the project will be put to bid in early March 2019. 

Plans call for sidewalks on both sides of West Jackson — between Madison and Remington — to be replaced. Landscaping and pedestrian lighting will be added.

A water main will be replaced, and business entrances will be improved.

Old bricks removed by hand from the street to make way for the work will be set aside and returned when the project is complete.

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