AUGUSTA, Ga. – The future of the old Weed School property in Augusta’s Sand Hills neighborhood took a significant step forward during a community meeting on Monday night. Residents gathered to discuss the redevelopment plans for the historic site, with a new proposal that aims to transform the old school into 40 affordable housing units, along with retail and community spaces.

This revised plan comes after previous discussions that had centered around the development of 44 senior apartment units. However, community feedback led to a shift in the approach, with a stronger emphasis on creating a mixed-use development that reflects the neighborhood’s vision for the future.

District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of balancing the preservation of the neighborhood’s history with the need for modern development. “This neighborhood has been extremely clear that they wanted something in this neighborhood that spoke to the future,” Johnson said. “They wanted something that preserved their history, but they wanted something nice.”

The meeting allowed residents to express their opinions, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue before making a decision. Johnson explained that the goal was to create a space where community members could voice their concerns and collaborate on a plan that meets their collective needs.

Dr. Audrey Jones Wood, a long-time Sand Hills resident and former Weed School student, expressed her satisfaction with the proposed changes. “I’m very much pleased with what has taken place here tonight, and I’m looking forward to the project moving forward,” she said. “I hope to see Sand Hills begin to smile again.”

Pastor Victor R. Thomas, whose church is located in the area, also welcomed the progress. “I think it was a productive meeting,” he said. “We’ve been kicking this can down the road for a long time, and now it’s time to open up this can and see what’s in it. We’re excited and glad that the meeting turned out the way it did.”

The redevelopment of the Weed School site is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the Sand Hills neighborhood, which has experienced economic and infrastructural challenges over the years. The inclusion of affordable housing and community spaces is expected to help foster a sense of pride and stability among residents while attracting new investment to the area.

The full Augusta Commission is set to vote on the proposal at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, where the future of the project will be formally decided. If approved, the redevelopment could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Sand Hills community, blending historical preservation with modern urban development.