Downtown Macon Business Gets New Fence After Big Controversy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A six month controversy over a fence in downtown Macon is finally over.

“The wall kind of stuck with a lot of people, it became a branding mark for Roasted,” Roasted Cafe owner Nick Rizkalla said.

But not any more. Roasted Cafe is getting a new iron fence after a big controversy with the city of Macon. Rizkalla installed the wooden patio fence back in March, but the city told him he had to take it down.

“They had gone through everything they had knew to go through, that they were advised to go through by the officials of the city and of course once the wooden fence was up, someone noticed that was against the policy,” Heny Ficklin, member of the Macon City Council, said.

Rizkalla tried to compromise with the city. He submitted several design modifications that still used the wooden fence, but the city wouldn’t budge.

“We went back and forth trying to figure out different designs that would be doable or get approved,” Rizkalla said. “We submitted three or four designs until this design finally got approved.”

Now, six months later, the battle is over. The wall has been torn down and in its place stands a new iron fence. Crews worked over the weekend, breaking down the old fence and installing the new one. Rizkalla says he is glad this whole ordeal is finally in the past.

“I’m just ready to move onto the next step and get over the wall,” he said.

As workers put the finishing touches on the iron fence, Rizkalla says he is excited about the new look and hopes his customers will enjoy the new view.