If just more young people would move to the square…

I figured out what the big deal is about Thomasville, the city neighbor of Bainbridge here in the Southwest region. After hearing so much about it lately and attending a focus group meeting for the Downtown Redevelopment Committee, I have heard more than once someone compare Bainbridge amenities to those in Thomasville.
As I drove into the city Saturday, at each turn down the highway I was bitter.
“This isn’t any different than Bainbridge — we have all of the same stuff,” I thought passing Harvey’s, Dollar General and more.
But then I got to their downtown.
I can’t lie — it was kind of awesome. After grabbing some gourmet pizza with chèvre and fresh basil and pesto, I walked down brick-paved Broad Street and purchased some antiques. I am looking forward to going back. But not as much as I am looking forward to seeing Bainbridge sprout even more amenities in days and years to come.
It’s not really correct to compare Bainbridge to Thomasville, as the leader of our focus group pointed out, because they are an odd exception with what they have and how they got it.
My vision for Bainbridge and the vision others in my group had, is to see the downtown attract more residents to the square area. I can’t help but wonder what the atmosphere would be like if more young people my age were my neighbors on the square. I not only could walk to work from my home, but also go grocery shopping at a downtown market if more residents were to have a place to live and have a need for even more downtown businesses.
Chattanooga, Tenn. is a great model for building a downtown. It was once dormant, but the city increased the amount of loft spaces downtown, which created a need for more downtown businesses. More foot traffic from residents created a more lively feel and need for entertainment. This decreased the amount of petty crime with more eyes on downtown.
There are currently waiting lists to live in the less than 30 apartments on the Bainbridge square. People very much want to live downtown, but the opportunities are sparsely presenting themselves.
Many have their own vision for the downtown — most of them are more poignant, scholarly and business-minded than mine — but I would love to see those ages 20 to 30 all walking their dogs and grilling hamburgers in my neck of the woods rather than tucked away in the lake area.
I wouldn’t mind if there were more neighbors downtown to knock on my door and ask if I have any milk or sugar — isn’t that what neighbors are good for anyway? Come on over y’all.

SportsPlus

News

Memorial Hospital announces choice for new CEO: LaDon Toole

Business

Downtown businesses offer Small Business Saturday deals

News

FFA and 4-H set up trees for the Tinsel Trail

News

BHS Band will hold “Sounds of the Season” Concert

Community

Bainbridge Little Theatre Presents Annie the Musical

News

Memories Car Club preparing for annual nursing home visit

News

BHS Swim Cats swim to victory in season’s first meet

News

Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving meal boxes

News

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Pie

News

DCBOE holds recognition ceremony at board meeting

Business

Casa Bella-Luka cuts ribbon at Calhoun Street

News

Superintendent Richard Woods visit BHS

Arts

Artisans sell their goods at 2024 Bizarre Bazaar

News

Public Hearing: Cemetery Trust Ordinance Amendment

News

Scouts preparing for Christmas activities

News

REACH Scholarship Signing Ceremony held at Bainbridge High School

News

Development Authority approves raise to salaries, hears of upcoming expansions

News

Bainbridge City Council hears water line survey results, complaints over rezoning issue, and more

Business

First National Bank Announces Youth Advisory Board to Engage Local Students in Financial Education and Community Service

News

Superintendent Dr. English addresses Rotary Club about Decatur County Schools

News

Humane Society looking for “pet mobile” name ideas

News

Grace Christian Academy holds a Rada Cutlery Fundraiser

News

DCBOE holds “Biscuits for the Best” for Teachers

News

Bainbridge resident missing