In today’s Digest:
🏘️ Augusta voted 7-3 to spend up to $68,368 on its first full zoning rewrite since 1963
🏗️ North Augusta rejected annexing the nearly 1,800-home Kellogg Tract project 3-1
🏛️ Mayor-elect Steven Kendrick named a transition team and four August listening sessions
🍎 Students at 45 Richmond County schools will get free breakfast and lunch
💧 Aiken County voters will decide wastewater plant upgrades in November
🍗 Jamaican Jerk Chicken Off Walton Way Since 1992
At 3208 West Wimbledon Drive off Walton Way, Rae's Coastal Cafe has brought coastal cooking to Walter Clay's hometown since 1992. The menu ranges from Jamaican jerk chicken and crab soup to Lowcountry shrimp and grits.
The winding drive and tin-roofed spot are part of the draw. Greenery surrounds the place, and first-timers are pointed toward the jerk chicken and the house salad that became a local talking point.
Read more here.
Presented by the Makayla McCowen Team:
🏘️ $68K Restores Maps and Public Input to Zoning Rewrite
The Gist: Augusta commissioners voted 7-3 Tuesday to approve up to $68,368 for White & Smith LLC to finish a comprehensive zoning-code update, the city's first since 1963. The amendment restores two key maps, two public meetings, a survey and outreach work cut when the original contract was reduced.
Why It Matters: The new code will govern where and how Augusta grows, including a planned requirement to notify nearby homeowners about proposed rezonings.
What's Next: Community workshops are planned for August, followed by a public draft in September. Adoption hearings are scheduled for Nov. 2 before the Planning Commission and Nov. 17 before the Augusta Commission.
Read more here.
🏗️ North Augusta Rejects 1,800-Home Annexation
The Gist: North Augusta City Council voted 3-1 Monday against annexing the Kellogg Tract, several parcels north of Belvedere Clearwater Road and west of I-520. The mixed-use proposal could bring nearly 1,800 homes and commercial space, with more than 80 acres protected as wetlands.
Why It Matters: Residents and council members raised traffic, stormwater, school-capacity and sewer concerns as western Aiken County grows.
What's Next: Two related development votes were canceled, but Superintendent Colen Lindell said the project could still proceed under Aiken County jurisdiction.
Read more here.
🏛️ Kendrick Sets Four Augusta Listening Sessions
The Gist: Mayor-elect Steven Kendrick named a transition team led by co-chairs Jordan Johnson and Sue Parr. Six committees will develop recommendations for his first 90 days and a 12-month governing framework, with findings due in December.
Why It Matters: The group will help set Augusta's priorities on economic development, finance, government reform, city operations, community reinvestment and public engagement.
What's Next: Public sessions begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at Diamond Lakes, Aug. 20 at Henry Brigham, Aug. 24 at Julian Smith Casino and Aug. 27 at Warren Road.
Read more here.
💧 Aiken Wastewater Upgrade Heads to November Ballot
The Gist: Aiken County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant, which the county says is already at capacity. The project is intended to make room for more homes and other development across Aiken County.
Why It Matters: With the current plant already at capacity, the vote will shape how much future residential and commercial growth the sewer system can support.
What's Next: The proposal is not final. Voters will decide on the wastewater improvements during the November general election.
Read more here.
🍔 Food Truck Friday | Evans Towne Center Park | Evans | Friday, August 7, 6:00-9:00 PM | More
Food trucks and live music make an easy family night in the park.
🎭 Darci Lynne: Up Close and Personal Tour | Imperial Theatre | Augusta | Friday, August 7, 7:30 PM | More
Puppets, original comedy, music, and audience surprises power this all-ages show.
🎬 Family Movie | Wallace Branch Library | Augusta | Saturday, August 8, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM | More
The library screens its second-Saturday family movie for viewers of all ages.
🖼️ Free Sundays at the Morris | Morris Museum of Art | Augusta | Sunday, August 9, 12:00-5:00 PM | More
Explore the museum's Southern art collection with free admission all afternoon.
💧 Lil Waders: Water Wonders | Reed Creek Nature Park & Interpretive Center | Martinez | Tuesday, August 11, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | More
Toddlers explore water through messy nature play; registration is required.
🎞️ Films on Friday: John Paul Jones (1959) | Morris Museum of Art | Augusta | Friday, August 7, 12:00-2:00 PM | More
A free Revolutionary War adventure with Robert Stack and Bette Davis.
🎸 Folsom Prison Experience | Miller Theater | Augusta | Saturday, August 8, doors 6:30 PM, show 7:30 PM | More
An immersive theatrical tribute recreates Johnny Cash's landmark 1968 Folsom Prison concert.
🪕 Marty Stuart & Molly Tuttle | Bell Auditorium | Augusta | Saturday, August 8, doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM | More
Country and bluegrass standouts share a fiery roots-music bill.
🎶 Candlelight Music: Serenity Soul Band | Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds | Augusta | Sunday, August 9, admission 6:00 PM, concert 7:30 PM | More
Serenity Soul Band brings R&B and dance music outdoors.
🏛️ Night at the Museum | Augusta Museum of History | Augusta | Thursday, August 13, tours at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM | More
Meet ten historic Augustans before drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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