Augusta, GA
Augusta’s Broad Street planting plan lacks key details
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city’s planting plan for Broad Street lays out the future landscape of Broad Street, from ADA accessible sidewalks to a separate bike path.
The plan also lists the types of trees and shrubs that will fill the now bare Broad Street.
But senior investigative reporter Lize Ownes found the plans are missing some crucial information.
The city has identified what types of trees and shrubs will go downtown, but not exactly where. The city has not said when it will begin planting. The planting plan also does not outline a long-term maintenance plan for the future greenery on Broad Street.
What the plan includes
Blueprints and architectural designs make envisioning Broad Street’s new look difficult without engineering expertise.
Augusta Richmond County’s planting plan includes several types of maple trees, including the Trident Maple, according to Joe, a tree specialist at Cold Creek Nurseries. The plan also includes willow oak trees.
The county’s planting plan also includes bringing back what was once the most predominant tree downtown: the elm. Years of neglect combined with Hurricane Helene wiped out many of the elms that once lined Broad Street.
Shade trees come with roots, space and maintenance requirements, Joe said.
Ground cover is also on the list. The plan includes Asiatic jasmine, an evergreen ground cover that stays low to the ground and spreads. The plan also includes liriope, a grass-like plant.
What’s missing from the plan
The planting plans do not answer several questions.
The plans do not say who will maintain the trees or what the long-term maintenance plan is. The plans do not say when planting will start or where each tree and shrub will go on which block of Broad Street.
Joe said he cannot say whether the tree choices will work downtown based on the information provided.
The engineering director was tied up in meetings and unavailable for comment. The Augusta Tree Commission received the same planting plans last week and is reviewing them.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Around 9:20, Saturday morning deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on the 500 block of Hillwood Circle reportedly for a deceased 3-month-old infant who may have been attacked by a dog inside the home.
Upon arrival, deputies located the infant dead inside. The baby, 3 month-old Zamora Robinson was pronounced dead by the Richmond County Coroner at 11:00 am.
Investigators said they secured the scene, and all occupants were safely removed from the home.
The Coroner said that Zamora was attacked by a Cane Corso. It was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators continue conducting interviews and gathering additional information.
No further details are available at this time.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A three-month-old child has died Saturday morning after an alleged dog attack inside a home, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they were called to a residence in the 500 block of Hillwood Circle around 9:21 a.m., after receiving a report of a deceased infant who may have been attacked by a dog.
When deputies arrived, they found the infant, Zamora Robinson, dead inside the home. Officials said the scene was secured, and everyone inside the residence was safely removed.
Authorities say a Cane Corso was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation.
According to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, Zamora was pronounced dead at 11:00 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators are continuing to conduct interviews and gather more information.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction in downtown Augusta is speeding up thanks to an accelerated timeline approved by commissioners.
With more of Broad Street torn up, parking is increasingly scarce. In less than a week, crews will start work on the inside lanes between 6th and 7th streets, temporarily removing the parking well.
Businesses say they remain in the dark about the project even with the accelerated timeline. They see more of the area becoming a construction site instead of a welcoming downtown.
Ongoing construction impacts businesses
Tonya Boswell, owner of Urban K-9, said construction has been constant.
“I don’t think there’s been a period where there wasn’t construction. We had the Fifth Street Bridge, then it was Fifth Street three times, and then now it’s in front of us,” Boswell said.
Sarah Bunjevac, owner of Halo Salon & Spa, has been downtown for two decades.
“I love the downtown community, and I’m very excited to continue to see it grow and evolve,” Bunjevac said.
But the day-to-day reality is harder to navigate for some.
“We’re hoping for a better Augusta. I mean, in the end, that’s what everybody’s hoping for. The process to get there, though, is kinda chaotic,” Boswell said.
Communication concerns
Bunjevac said business owners need better communication from city officials.
“I think as a local business owner and someone in the community downtown that wants to see it grow, wants to see it thrive, we’ve been down here for two decades, I really just need the support from the PR group, from the city, letting me know how to prepare for the changes and how to be productive during those changes,” Bunjevac said.
While the work continues on Broad Street, business owners say their job is keeping the doors open.
Project timeline
Leaders expect the project to finish by mid-December.
Work from 6th to 5th streets should start in three weeks, on June 26. In mid-July, crews will start on the outside lanes of 7th to 6th. That will happen at the same time as work on the inside lanes.
Parking is available at the Augusta Museum of History at Reynolds and 6th streets, but there are certain times that will be closed as well.
The Augusta Museum of History parking lot at 560 Reynolds Street will be open to the public throughout June, except during the following restricted dates and times:
- June 5, 2026 — 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- June 6, 2026 — 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- June 10, 2026 — 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- June 11, 2026 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- June 20, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- June 25, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- June 26, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- June 27, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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