Grocery store grant has Augusta leaders talking when and where [Video]

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – In the Laney Walker-Bethlehem area, it’s a major issue: not having a retail grocery store.

“Yes, it’s inconvenient; real inconvenient. We need one down here bad, really bad, so I hope those commissioners come on and do something,” said Arthur Brown.

A commission committee clearing the way for the city to receive a half a million-dollar Community Foundation grant that will aid in the development of a grocery store in the central businesses district.

“It allows for in-depth planning. It will allow in some aspects acquisition to sort of move forward with some aspects as well. I’m really excited about this commitment. It shows they are for year,” said Housing and Community Development Director Hawthorne Welcher.

Over the last 15 years as redevelopment has taken place in Laney Walker, there has been talk of needing a grocery store, and now, Welcher says a groundbreaking breaking could be measured in months.

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