Macon-Bibb Commission 8/1/23

Macon-Bibb County Commissioners tightened requirements for special event alcohol permits, added speed zone cameras to Stratford Academy, ACE, FPD and Bernd Elementary, lowered speed limits on Twin Pines Drive, Hall, Ruark and Tucker roads. The Commission also accepted grant money for new license plate readers, mentoring for youth with substance abuse issues, six tiny houses built by River Edge, and an emergency shelter at the Salvation Army. The long-awaited Central City Commons project will proceed now that the county agreed to back $18.5 in bonds. Developers expect to break ground early next year on an apartment building, hotel and parking garage that the county will purchase upon completion under the agreement. The project has been in the works for year and fits the city's plans for downtown development, said Urban Development Authority Executive Director Alex Morrison. Commissioners also debated whether to invest more money on violence interruptor programs and considered shifting recreation funds for new playground equipment. Both of those issues were added to the agenda then tabled for future discussion. Here's a summation of agenda items, actions and debates from social media posts.