Macon-Bibb Update, July 25, 2014
Below are updates about Macon-Bibb County, including a technology and health classes, a video feature of Macon-Bibb demolishing the 100th house, an opportunity for community input, information about the landfill passing inspection, and an economic development announcement.
To stay informed about the work being done by Macon-Bibb County and organizations to make our community the best place to live, work, play, and learn, check MaconBibbTV regularly for new videos or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements.
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Macon-Bibb, AARP Announce Technology Classes
July 25, Mayor Robert Reichert and AARP Georgia announced AARP TEK (Technology, Education, and Knowledge) in Macon-Bibb County. The program will offer a comprehensive technology education program specifically geared towards the 50+ audience. People will learn – through tutorials and one-on-one instruction – touchscreen basics, applications, photo sharing, texting, video chat, and more…all to help them connect with friends, family, employment opportunities, health information, entertainment, and much more
The sessions are free, and to register, click here or call 1-866-740-6931. Two sessions (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.) will be held at each location on the following dates:
July 30
McAfee Towers
1212 Gray Highway
August 13
October 15
Pearl Stephens Senior Citizen Center
3321 Napier Avenue
November 19
Buck Melton Center
150 Sessions Drive
Macon-Bibb was the first community to be designated Age-Friendly when it joined in the spring of 2012. The age-friendly action plan (which can be downloaded by clicking here) was developed by a 28-member Community Advisory Council, which identified areas of concern and potential improvement in each of the eight domains of livability established by the World Health Organization. Macon-Bibb was also featured in the AARP Livable Communities Newsletter, which can be read by clicking here.
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100th Abandoned, Dilapidated House Demolished
On June 30, the Macon-Bibb Public Works Department demolished the abandoned and dilapidated house at 2487 Houston Avenue. This was the 100th demolition during last fiscal year (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014), meeting Mayor Robert Reichert’s goal for this step in attacking blight in neighborhoods.
To watch a feature video from MaconBibbTV about this milestone in our efforts to take blight, click here.
“These structures are a blight on the neighborhood and our entire community. We’ve pushed hard every year to tear down as many as possible and I’m delighted we’ve reached the goal this year,” says Mayor Reichert. “I want to thank all of the people and departments that made this project a top priority for our new government; the work we do for this directly affects people’s lives, and they deserve our praise.
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Landfill Passes Inspection
On July 14, Macon-Bibb County was notified it Walker Road Landfill received a score of 90 after failing several previous inspections. More than $42,000 was spent for materials and more than 863 hours overtime at a cost of $17,150 was logged between April and early July to bring the landfill into compliance. The report noted “the inspection revealed significant improvements in the operation of the landfill and the maintenance of the facility’s operational records.”
“This was a team effort between crews from both the former City and County working in the Departments of Solid Waste, Public Works, and Parks & Beautification,” says Solid Waste Director Kevin Barkley. “We also need to thank the other departments that supported us throughout by providing additional services and resources in a timely manner.”
“The work done be these crews and departments is to be commended,” says Mayor Robert Reichert. “The landfill most certainly needed to be brought up to code, and it’s their effort that made it happen. As we continue to find ways to improve services, I look forward to future plans for an expanded recycling program and the eventual closure of the landfill.”
During the inspection, the EPD noted the following deficiencies, which the Solid Waste Department has already begun addressing in advance of a follow-up inspection.
Deficiency
Corrective Action
Standing/pooling water on southern slope.
This water was pooling due to a berm that had silted in. This has been corrected and water is moving freely.
Woody plants growing
We have mowed 90 % of the landfill and continue to finish cutting the rest.
Rills and ruts
The rills and ruts will be filled then vegetated and matting material in place by August 8, 2014.
Not graded to D & O Plan with accelerated erosion.
These areas will be regarded and erosion control measure put in place so that vegetation can be established.
Erosion and sedimentation controls need repair, maintenance, or replacing.
After each rain event we determine if our erosion and sedimentation controls need to be repaired or replaced. This is a continuous ongoing event.
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Macon Action Plan Needs Your Input
Macon’s urban core is changing in exciting ways. New lofts are attracting more Downtown residents. New retail and MAPrestaurants are repopulating storefronts, generating foot traffic and making Downtown buzz with activity. Streetscape improvements now underway on Cherry and 2nd Streets will make the urban core more walkable and beautiful, a perfect backdrop for new placemaking initiatives that will celebrate and build community within the urban core’s unique public realm.
Amidst this positive change and momentum, the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority [UDA], Macon-Bibb County, and their partners are undertaking a comprehensive planning process called The Macon Action Plan to envision the future for Downtown and intown neighborhoods and guide change moving forward.
The Macon Action Plan is jointly funded by the Peyton Anderson Foundation and Knight Foundation, and is:
1) a comprehensive plan for Macon’s urban core, including Downtown and nearby neighborhoods;
2) an opportunity to build upon the momentum already at work, as we envision together the future of the heart of our city; and
3) our chance to weigh in, guide change, and take ACTION!
More details, as well as the map where people can input their ideas, can be found here. You can also join us at an Open House on October 3, join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, and/or email ideas and questions to social@maconactionplan.com
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YKK AP America to Expand Residential Window Plant in Macon-Bibb
Expansion will double production capacity, respond to growing U.S. housing market
In an effort to keep up with increasing customer demands, YKK AP America Inc. (YKK AP) plans to expand its residential window plant in Macon, Ga. Slated to begin production in January 2015, the expansion will allow YKK AP to double the plant’s production capacity.
“We are excited to hear YKK is expanding its operation here and remaining committed to the success of our community for the past 40 years,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “They, their employees, and their families have been involved at multiple levels of government and civic organizations, and I’m looking forward to the involvement this expansion could bring.”
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Cooperative Extension Hosts Health Event
The Macon-Bibb County Extension is having the Right Bite Diabetic Cooking School on August 12 at 1:00 pm at The Wellness Center on Northside Drive. This educational class is free to attend, but you need to register in advance. Call 751-6338 to reserve your space. In this class, participants will learn:
· How to get enough, but not too much physical activity and monitor blood glucose;
· How to prepare delicious dishes to control or prevent diabetes and other diseases; and
· To prepare recipes lower in fate, sugar, and sodium and higher in fiber.
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About the Office of Public Affairs
The Mayor’s Office of Public Affairs includes Public Relations, MaconBibbTV, and Customer Service. Working together, these three functions are part of a two-way communication program designed to educate the community about improvement efforts by Macon-Bibb and partner organizations, and provide a way for people to provide feedback and have their questions answered and concerns addressed.
To view videos produced by MaconBibbTV – including Commission Meetings, public forums, and the great work by the government and other organizations to improve the community – click here. To contact Customer Service to ask a question or report an issue, call 478-751-7400 or use SeeClickFix on the Macon-Bibb website or your cell phone. The Office also works directly with local, regional, and national media on coverage, as well as managing social media channels, to better educate people about the newly consolidated government.
To stay informed, check www.maconbibb.tv regularly, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check the News section of our website for the latest news and announcements.