Commissioners revisit idea of fixing old Train Recreation Center

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb Commissioners are revisiting the idea of refurbishing an abandoned building which has been vacant for nearly 30 years.

Commissioners say they need to set an example for the county.

The historic Train Recreation Center is near the corner of Oglethorpe and First Streets.
Commissioners call it an eyesore and an unwarm welcome to those visiting the city.

“This is the only historic building remaining from the heyday of the Bibb Manufacturing Company,” Historic Macon Director Ethiel Garlington said. “The Mill and most of the development is where the law enforcement center is today, so this building was really the hub of the social community.”

Garlington says the Train Recreation Center hosted parties and meetings. However, today it sits abandoned.

Garlington says he has an idea on how to refurbish the building. He went before commissioners during last Tuesday’s committee meeting proposing to move the county’s UGA Extension Service’s Office into the Train Center.

The building belonged to the county since the 90’s and has been used for the public.
Commissioners call it irresponsible to leave the Train Center for the wayside.

“We criticize property owners who let their buildings go to pot when we’re doing that ourselves with the Train Recreation Facility. We have to set the example,” Commissioner Rabbi Larry Schlesinger said.

Commissioners and Historic Macon are working to find money from blight bonds for the project. Commissioners will continue discussing the project during the next committee meeting.