Augusta, GA

Turn Back the Block fights blight firsthand in Augusta

Published

9 months ago

April 23, 2024

Turn Back the Block fights blight firsthand in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The growing problems of blight and crime are two hand-in-hand issues neighbors say have been going on for years.

They say they want a permanent solution.

Last month, we tagged along with commissioners, other city leaders and some nonprofits on a tour of these neighborhoods hit the hardest by blight – from Harrisburg to Laney Walker.

We touched on issues from code enforcement process, demolition chain of responsibility, abandoned property owners, blight challenges and more.

It’s a growing problem that’s talked about year after year.

One of the nonprofits on the tour was Turn Back the Block. Its goal is to help families in this city get better, safer and affordable housing.

The group recently opened a duplex complex in Harrisburg and will soon break ground on more land to achieve its goal of revitalizing the Harrisburg and Laney Walker neighborhoods and guiding folks in the right direction.

Ashley Brown said she believes homeownership to be the solution to the blight and crime created by uninvested landlords and absentee property owners.

She says homeownership is a reliable way to build economic mobility and stability for the families of Harrisburg.

“I remember this neighborhood when it was vibrant, and full of families and children running in the streets and I see that coming back,” said Brown.

Brown says Turn Back the Block has renovated eight homes, newly constructed nine and they currently have 24 vacant lots.

Shanovia Howard is one of the homeowners Turn Back the Block has helped.

“I just kept pushing forward until I got to the place that I was safe and secure at,” said Howard. “Your kids deserve to have somewhere that they can call home. They don’t deserve to be pulled from one place to the next, renting this apartment, having to rent that apartment.”

Once a month Turn Back the Block hosts “Block Parties” where volunteers clean up the Harrisburg neighborhood.

Find out more by visiting their website.

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Augusta, GA

Crosstown showdown rescheduled: Augusta and USC-Aiken to play Sunday

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Crosstown showdown rescheduled: Augusta and USC-Aiken to play Sunday

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The basketball doubleheader featuring both Augusta University and University of South Carolina Aiken has been moved to Sunday.

The two were originally slated to play on Saturday afternoon.

The women’s game will tipoff at 1:30 p.m., and the men’s will follow at 3:30 p.m in the USC Aiken Convocation Center.

Both the Pacers and Jags men’s team last played on Feb. 10 2024.

AU climbed to a 5-point lead in the final period, winning 98-93.

Prior to their last meeting, USC Aiken had a four-game win streak over the Jags.

Sunday will mark the 89th meeting between the two programs.

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Augusta, GA

Winter weather causes crashes across CSRA on slick roads

Published

16 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Winter weather causes crashes across CSRA on slick roads

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Multiple cars crashed due to winter weather conditions on I-20 in the CSRA early Friday morning, according to authorities.

On I-20 in Augusta, the road conditions at the Washington Road exit were hazardous, according to our reporter on the interstate.

Our reporter saw another wreck on the Bobby Jones overpass from I-520 to I-20 at 10:35 a.m. We’ve reached out to learn more.

Across the river, on I-20 westbound just before mile marker 4, multiple vehicles were pulled over after a car carrier crash around 10 a.m. in Aiken County.

On I-20 westbound just before mile marker 4, multiple vehicles were pulled over after a car carrier crash around 10 a.m. in Aiken County.

We have reached out to learn more.

Dispatch told us crews were on the scene of a multiple-car crash on I-20 eastbound at the Walton Way extension ramp at 9:25 a.m.

Officials say at least two vehicles were involved, but more were reported, and they are unsure how many exactly.

They did however say more vehicles became involved after sliding on the road from weather conditions.

Dispatch says they are unsure of any injuries or if any lanes were blocked.

Augusta, GA

Wayfair Outlet store opens at the Augusta Exchange

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Wayfair Outlet store opens at the Augusta Exchange

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The new Wayfair outlet is now open at the Augusta Exchange.

You will be able to find furniture and home décor at the location that used to be a Buy Buy Baby store.

It’s the latest store to open in the Augusta area.

One customer we spoke with says he thinks the store will be here for a while as it brings something different to the area.

“People are here spending money and they are here to make their house look better. I never thought I would be a dude in his 40s in an outlet, me in an outlet. But I did it today and I think it’s good,” said Carlton Ferguson.

It’s welcome news for fans of the Augusta Exchange, which has seen a bevy of closures in the past couple of years, including Subway, Genghis Grill, O’Charley’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby and Christmas Tree Shops.

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