AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Progress is underway towards determining the future of the former Weed school property in Augusta’s Sand Hills neighborhood. This evening, community members gathered to discuss upcoming plans.

At Monday night’s meeting, the Sand Hills community members agreed to convert the old Weed School into 40 affordable housing units.  

The new plan also calls for retail and community space—a change from the original plans that called for 44 senior apartment units.

“The community has been very clear that they desire something in their neighborhood that acknowledges the future,” remarked Jordan Johnson, District 1 Commissioner. “While preserving their history, they also want something that stands out.”

This meeting allowed the residents to speak amongst themselves before voting.

“At this meeting, we began with questions and then left the room to allow the neighborhood to discuss and express their vision for the community,” added Johnson.

Audrey Woods lives in Sand Hills and went to Weed School. She is happy that something will be brought back to the area and is hopeful it will return to what it once was.

“I’m very much pleased with what has taken place here tonight, and I’m looking forward to the project moving forward and Sand Hill’s begin to smile again,’ said Dr. Audrey Jones Wood, Resident.

A pastor from a church in the area is glad this project finally will be moving forward.

“I think it was a productive meeting,” said Victor R. Thomas, Pastor.  “Moving forward, we’ve been kicking this can down the road for a long time, and now it’s time to open up this can and see what’s in it. Yeah, so we’re excited and glad that the meeting turned out the way it did. A lot of people in the community came.”

The full Commission will vote on this decision at their meeting on Tuesday.