Before Atlanta, there was Milledgeville.
Located about 90 miles from Atlanta in Central Georgia, Milledgeville served as the Peach State’s capital from 1804 until 1868, and the Old State Capitol and Old Governor’s Mansion are reminders of the city’s important former role today.
That could be news to Atlanta newcomers. But similarities between the two cities — one could argue college towns, both — don’t end there.
Milledgeville’s growth has made it the home of Georgia College & State University, a four-year institution with more than 6,800 students located across the street from downtown. Milledgeville boasts so much charm, in fact, Budget Travel named it one of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in America in 2019.
But Milledgeville could become even cooler and more visitor-friendly by pedestrianizing and densifying its downtown and by adding high-quality bicycle infrastructure. (Sound familiar, Atlanta?)
Here’s my 2 cents. It’s not too complicated.
Start by pedestrianizing the heart of downtown Milledgeville on Hancock Street, between Wilkinson and Jefferson streets, as well as on Wayne Street between McIntosh and Greene streets. Replace the asphalt with stone paving, add more street trees, and remove the street signs and traffic lights. A good rule is that if given a choice between a car-filled intersection that is deadly to humans or an intersection with a fountain around which humans can enjoy life, then planners should choose the latter. So add a fountain at the intersection of Hancock and Wayne.
Creating inviting spaces really can be that simple.
Pedestrianization would open up downtown to maximal living, because when cars are prohibited in a downtown area, human activity fills the void. Downtown would be Milledgeville’s living room, and guests would have open access to…
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