The Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization and Macon-Bibb County learned they would be able to take a major step forward in reconnecting the neighborhood thanks to a $500,000 federal grant

Macon, GA – Per reports, the grant was submitted through the community’s participation in the Reimagining the Civic Commons learning network, a national initiative which aims to demonstrate how public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust, and create more resilient communities.

Awarding of the grant was announced by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. 

Historic Pleasant Hill was cut in half by the construction of I-75 more than 60 years ago, and that – in conjunction with other policies like redlining and disinvestment in the once vibrant neighborhood – have led to its steady decline, making it unequal to surrounding areas.  

The grant will be used to begin mitigating the impact of I-75 by creating an urban design plan for sidewalks, streetlights, transportation, and transit, as well as a plan for a new commercial district along Walnut Street, the lone vehicle connection across the interstate.

The plan would focus on engagement, public infrastructure, zoning changes, and anti-displacement strategies.