A new multipurpose field is one step closer to coming to Macon after Tuesday night’s commission meeting.
The commission approved eminent domain to put a new multipurpose field on Wise Avenue. The new field will have sporting grounds for soccer and football and include restrooms, bleachers, and a concession stand. The blight project will replace 22 properties on both sides of Wise Avenue. Clay Murphey, Bibb County SPLOST Coordinator, says the project will cost less than $2 million.
“Houses that are in disrepair, that are falling down and an eyesore with rats and all those types of things. This is a great example of a redevelopment area, and it’s the first one we will do with new blight money,” says Murphey. He says construction on the field will begin in January.
Senior Citizens Center Update:
Bibb Commission created a committee of three commissioners to work specifically with Macon senior citizens. They created the committee to address concerns from senior citizens about the county's plan for a new senior citizen center.
Commissioner Elaine Lucas is the chair of the committee, and she says this committee will help the county create a stronger senior program. She says now that the commission decided on a design for the center, the committee can talk with seniors about specific wants they have for the center.
“I think this is the best of all worlds where we here with commission are joining together with the seniors, coming together to come up with what we think they should have and to hear what they are asking us to provide,” says Lucas.
She says there will be a meeting this Saturday at 9 a.m. with the committee and senior citizens. She says any seniors are welcome to attend.
Centreplex ice arena gets a cover:
The Macon Centreplex is getting a cover for the ice arena, so that more events can be held during the hockey season. Bibb Commission approved the $91,000 cover at Tuesday's meeting.
Monty Jones, the Centreplex's general manager, says last year they removed the ice six times for events held during the hockey season. Jones says each time they get rid of the ice it costs $10-12,000 and it can take up to six days to put down new ice.
“So with the events coming up and the events we will be announcing soon, we'll be able to have a great floor for them to come to and we won’t have the issues of having to take up the floor and putting it back,” says Jones. He says they should get the cover by the end of this month.