Midtown Walking District Proposed for Watkinsville -- What do you think?
A landowner has proposed a plan to develop seven acres across from Rocket Field into a center of shops, eateries, office spaces and an amphitheater.
Landowner Tedd Vaughan recently pitched a proposal to Watkinsville City Council for a walking district, complete with an amphitheater, in the city's midtown, according to an article in the Athens Banner-Herald.
The concept? Local shops, specialty eateries, music venues and office spaces constructed in a pristine setting with "fountains, music in the air and lanterns lit with cobblestone walkways," he told the newspaper. Vaughan said "Midtown Watkinsville" would tie in nicely with neighboring Athens, already well-known for its unique culture and lively music scene.
He doesn't have a cost estimate yet since the concept is in its early stages and he's still seeking input on the design, but Vaughan pointed out that the city would benefit from tax revenue generated by new businesses, the newspaper reported.
Vaughan asked the city to get involved and a committee was formed to further explore the idea, the article noted.
Do you like the concept of a midtown walking district in Watkinsville? Do you think it's a project the city should become involved with in some way? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Alex Murawski
7:38 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I think it's a great idea. I do think Rocket Field should re-imagined be part of the equation. Since we now have a great athletic facilities spread across the county, we should consider using that open space as a park rather than a baseball diamond.
Lees Miner
8:23 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Too many businesses shutting down, don't waste the money clearing land (there is too much of that in Oconee County already) for businesses that most likely won't make it. Watkinsville is not set up for that kind of traffic. And it would cost more money to build the infra-structure to support that kind of venture in Watkinsville.
Gina Taylor
8:35 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This is a great dream that I hope will come to reality!
I can’t wait to see this happen for the city of Watkinsville.
Michelle Burger
11:23 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Love this idea!!! Hope it does happen.
Earl McCorkle
11:28 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Who is selling the land ?
Stephanie Gross
1:11 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hi Earl,
According to the ABH article, the Vaughan family owns the land that would be developed.
Andrea Williams
4:00 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The concept works beautifully in Seaside near Destin. My parents used to have a place at Seagrove beach and my sister and I enjoyed getting a book at the quaint bookstore, walking through the park like setting with ice cream cones and listening to local music. There are cobblestone streets and limited traffic in and out...(as seen in the Truman Show) it really was lovely! I know that my kids and I would enjoy these attributes in Watkinsville!
Xardox
11:02 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Nice, quaint, enjoyable, interesting, etc.
Will it make money without the taxpayers' dime?