Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta businesses fight to save imperiled parking spaces
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Downtown Augusta businesses are up in arms over plans to replace parking with bike lanes — something that could affect all of us.
The businesses – including restaurants on Broad Street – have launched a petition drive that’s gained 1,500 signatures so far.
Downtown Augusta is full of parking on the street right now. That includes convenience spaces in the median of Broad Street.
That could all change as part of a plan to revamp downtown – all on the heels of the removal of countless towering trees, a move that’s drawn criticism from some.
“It’s challenging because Augusta, as desperately as we want to be a Greenville or Savannah, even I’m not sure that we’re quite there yet,” said Emma Claire Hansen, who works at Merry’s Home Furnishings. “I hope that we do get there one day, where it is full of pedestrians who are coming down the sidewalks and riding their bikes downtown. Right now, I’m not sure that it’s all that necessary. But perhaps they see a different end goal than we do. I would be more concerned with parking than the bicycle lane.”
Luigi’s Italian restaurant started the petition that’s been joined by other downtown businesses like Merry’s Home Furnishings, Tribeca Lounge, the Imperial Theatre, the multi-restaurant Frog Hollow Group, Nacho Mama’s and the Sports Center.
“So downtown parking, obviously they are very old streets and it can be a bit of a challenge because the roadways are very narrow down here and there’s not a ton of parking in downtown to begin with,” Hansen said.
Many people are worried about that end goal taking away parking spots they say are needed – potentially taking away business.
“At Merry’s, it’s not as big of a challenge because we are here during the daytime, so it’s a little easier to park here during the daytime,” Hansen said. “But for restaurants, of course, they already seat more people than parking allows in front of their restaurants, so when it gets busy and everyone is coming down for dinner, it’s a challenge.”
One business told News 12 off camera that a key concern is surviving through the construction that downtown construction work will bring.
The businesses seem to agree on wanting to see improvements downtown.
They just don’t want to lose business because of it.
“We love downtown Augusta. We’ve seen a lot of ups and downs with being here, but we’re super excited for the development that they are planning here,” Hansen said.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in Augusta who doesn’t want downtown to be better and more beautiful and more accessible. We would love to see more businesses come here.”
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By the numbers: Parking in downtown Augusta
- The question of parking came up less than a month ago at a meeting of Augusta Commission members. The transportation engineering staff told commissioners:
- There are 760 total parking spots on the surface street, including the recessed parking wells. The number would be about 620 if they were made standard.
- Most, if not all surface street parking stalls are substandard, causing, among other issues, crooked parking.
- Officials say the current parking spaces are too narrow, based on current vehicle sizes. They gave a presentation demonstrating that vehicles have gotten larger since the 1990s.
- Construction plans show 590 street-level parking spaces.
- There are underutilized spots downtown in four available parking decks, including one that on a recent check only had 15% of spaces used and another that was only 31% full.
One business even hired its own architect to look at improving Augusta with more parking – developing a plan to show local leaders.
News 12 reached out to local officials, and we’re still waiting to hear back.
But there’s a meeting about this that we will continue to follow.
That meeting is at 5 p.m. Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Fat Man’s Cafe on Greene Street.
It’s a time when downtown business owners and others can learn about work timelines and their impacts.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
The Augusta-based manufacturer of one of the world’s leading brands of golf carts could split from parent company Textron by the end of 2027.
Textron has announced its intention to concentrate its aerospace and defense subsidiaries into a separate company called New Textron, including Textron Aviation, Textron Systems, and Bell, a brand that produces military-grade helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. It also oversees general aviation brands Cessna and Beechcraft.
Textron Specialized Vehicles is part of the company’s Industrial segment, which expects more than $3 billion in 2026 revenue. TSV properties include E-Z-GO golf carts; PACE Technology, which manufactures global positioning systems customized for golf courses; Jacobsen, a producer of turf maintenance equipment; and TUG Technologies, which makes airport ground support equipment such as baggage tractors.
“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” Textron CEO Lisa M. Atherton said in a statement. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths — unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders.”
The company “intends to explore multiple paths to effect the planned separation of its Industrial segment, including but not limited to a sale of the Industrial businesses or a tax-free separation into a standalone, publicly traded company,” according to Textron.
Textron said in its April 30 first-quarter earnings call to stockholders that it estimates the complete corporate separation to occur within 12 to 18 months, implying Halloween 2027 at the latest.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fort Gordon service members will soon have more opportunities to further their education thanks to a partnership between Augusta University and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic will sign a new memorandum to continue their partnership at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shaffer MacCartney Building at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University.
Augusta University first began its partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence back in 2016.
The new memorandum will provide additional opportunities for service members to receive degree credit for military training through Augusta University and AU Online.
The programs being updated under the new agreement include: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a Technical Intelligence Analysis Concentration and the PhD in Intelligence, Defense and Cybersecurity Policy.
“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to create new educational opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation,” Keen said.
Janovic emphasized the magnitude of the relationship and the critical skillsets it supports.
“This partnership with Augusta University is a force multiplier for our formations. By translating our rigorous military training into academic credit, we bridge the gap between military instruction and higher education,” Janovic said.
“Through this partnership, we are preparing experienced military leaders to build on the skills they have already developed and continue serving in ways that advance our national security, strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create lasting impact for generations to come. Their commitment to service extends far beyond the battlefield. It continues in the communities they protect, the organizations they lead and the lives they influence every day,” said Keen.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring 30 regular-season matches and 10 home contests inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The reigning 2025 Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions open the season Aug. 28-29 at the Emmanuel Tournament in Franklin Springs, Ga., before returning home Sept. 4-5 to co-host the Augusta/USC Aiken Tournament. Augusta then travels to Clinton, Miss., for the annual Peach Belt Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover before opening Peach Belt Conference play Sept. 17 against Middle Georgia at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Following an eight-match road swing through late September and October, the Jaguars return home for their final four regular-season contests, hosting Francis Marion, Flagler and rival USC Aiken. The 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament begins Nov. 12.
Tickets are available now. Don’t miss your chance to watch the reigning Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions in action at Christenberry Fieldhouse this fall.
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In conjunction with the schedule release, Augusta Athletics has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 home season.
2026 Promotional Schedule
Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Lee (12:00 p.m.) & North Greenville (5:00 p.m.)
Parents Weekend
Join us as we welcome Jaguar families to campus for opening weekend.
Thursday, Sept. 17 – vs. Middle Georgia (6:00 p.m.)
Student Appreciation
Augusta University students are encouraged to pack Christenberry Fieldhouse for the conference home opener.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – vs. Georgia College (3:00 p.m.)
CSRA Club Volleyball Day
Local club volleyball teams are invited to attend and be recognized throughout the match.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 – vs. Lander (6:00 p.m.)
Coats & Scrubs Night
Medical students and healthcare professionals are invited to wear their scrubs and support the Jaguars.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – vs. Francis Marion (6:00 p.m.)
Here to Win – Cancer Awareness Game
Augusta Athletics and the Georgia Cancer Center continue the “Here to Win” campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and support patients. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.
Friday, Oct. 23 – vs. Flagler (6:00 p.m.)
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night
A special night recognizing Augusta University’s faculty and staff.
Saturday, Oct. 24 – vs. Flagler (1:00 p.m.)
Halloween Game
Fans are encouraged to wear costumes while cheering on the Jaguars.
Friday, Nov. 6 – vs. USC Aiken (6:00 p.m.)
Greek Night
Augusta University’s fraternities and sororities are invited to attend and show their Jaguar pride.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. USC Aiken (3:00 p.m.)
Senior Night
Help us recognize the Jaguars’ senior class before the final regular-season home match.
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