AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners voted to approve rezoning for a potential student housing project in the historic Sandhills community, replacing several vacant lots with units for students near Augusta University’s Summerville campus.

The decision has divided community members, with some supporting revitalization efforts while others express concerns about infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Veronica Bogans, who has lived in the Sandhills community for 56 years, supports the project.

“Being revitalized, I think our community is well overdue for that,” Bogans said. “Students coming here from AU, Payne College, we need that. We need that. Those are our future doctors, teachers, lawyers, x-ray technicians. We need that.”

Darryl Mims, who grew up in Sandhills and lived there for about 25 years, also sees potential benefits.

“It’s a little older community, but I think it put a, get a hill, a fresh start. Everybody love the hill. People on the hill have a lot of pride,” Mims said.

Other residents worry about the proposed housing’s impact on the community. Carolyn Robinson, who moved to Augusta at age four, cited infrastructure issues.

“You have to be very careful when you are traveling and it’s just an issue. The streets are in disrepair. You’ll have more vehicle fumes. Weed is a dead end St. and that’s a problem,” Robinson said.

Some residents said the proposed housing would look out of place, noting the roads are too narrow and citing drug issues in the area that need addressing.

The Sandhills community holds deep roots for longtime residents. Mims described the neighborhood’s past character.

“Everybody was closed and everybody looked out for each other. The older folks were real kind. You had a bunch of caddies in this neighborhood and they always talked about golf and that was the main thing in this neighborhood. You had to know golf,” Mims said.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Trader Joe’s is one of the more unique grocery stores with its private-label products, festive design, and scavenger hunt experiences. It has a devoted following, and we have good news for the chain’s Georgia fans.

Where is Trader Joe’s opening new stores in Georgia?

Last week, Trader Joe’s announced on its website a new location coming to Johns Creek. Then, the company confirmed to multiple news outlets Monday their plans to build a store in Evans.

The Johns Creek location will be at 100 Medley Blvd. We have no information at this time on the eventual Evans location.

When do the new Trader Joes in Georgia open?

The Johns Creek location is set to open sometime this year, but an exact grand opening day/time has not been announced. We also have no info on the Evans location at this time.

Is there a Trader Joe’s Augusta GA?

There are currently no Trader Joe’s locations in the Augusta area, although it’s been a wish of many residents for a long time.

Currently, the closest Trader Joe’s is either of the Columbia, SC locations. Even if the new one is in outer Evans, it will still be the closest Trader Joe’s for many Augusta-area shoppers by several miles.

Is there a Trader Joe’s Atlanta?

There are multiple Trader Joe’s locations in Atlanta proper as well as the wider metro Atlanta area in parts like Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Roswell.

What are Trader Joe’s hours?

Trader Joe’s are typically open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. To check out your nearest store’s hours, go to locations.traderjoes.com.

Georgia’s Trader Joe’s locations

Georgia currently has 10 open Trader Joe’s locations across Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Marietta, Norcross, Peachtree City, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. More details can be found at locations.traderjoes.com/ga/.

Trader Joe’s new locations 2026

Trader Joe’s has confirmed on its website six new locations across the nation, including in the following cities:

• Tucson, AZ
• West Palm Beach, FL
• Johns Creek, GA
• Manderville, LA
• New Orleans
• Woodinville, WA

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Skaters from the CSRA and beyond are competing in the inaugural Presidents Day Artistic Roller Skating Meet at Skateland Augusta.

The event started Sunday and runs through Tuesday. 22 skating clubs from across the country are competing in figures, spins, jumps, dance and show categories.

The competition is open to all ages, with competitors ranging in age from 5 to 67.

Ansley Marshall, a creative solo competitor, said she enjoys testing her abilities against other skaters.

“I like to push myself to be the best I can be and to test my talents against other people,” Marshall said. “It helps me push myself harder and you sort of feel the recognition of how far I’ve come and see my progress and stuff.”

Spectator tickets for Tuesday’s final day of competitions are $5 per person at Skateland Augusta.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.