Warner Robins considers $229,000 for downtown planning projects

City leaders are weighing a six-month downtown planning project and a separate stormwater study examining drainage conditions near Robins Air Force Base.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins City Council is scheduled to consider two proposals totaling $229,000 on Monday, November 2, as the city continues planning for downtown redevelopment.

The proposals include a $169,000 contract to develop downtown design guidelines and a separate $60,000 stormwater study examining drainage infrastructure, flooding, and potential impacts on Robins Air Force Base.

According to the city’s draft agenda and supporting documents, both proposals are recommended for approval by city staff.

Downtown planning would cover 846 acres

City staff recommends awarding a $169,000 contract to Inspire Placemaking Collective Inc. to develop design guidelines and a strategic action plan for downtown Warner Robins.

The proposed project covers an 846-acre downtown study area and builds on previous planning efforts, including the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s 2025 Commercial Circle vision and Operation Reawaken.

According to the consultant’s proposal, the project would examine existing development patterns, neighborhood conditions, transportation connections, and opportunities for future development.

The plan identifies five priority areas for community input: Commercial Circle, Perkins Park, South Armed Forces Boulevard, Duke Avenue, and the area behind Middle Georgia State University.

The consultant would also develop architectural and site design standards addressing building placement, parking, landscaping, building heights, and other development characteristics.

Additional work would focus on streetscape improvements, pedestrian connections, public spaces, and neighborhood compatibility.

Residents would have opportunities to participate

The proposed downtown planning process includes two community workshops and opportunities for residents to provide feedback online.

Inspire Placemaking Collective would create a project website featuring planning documents, surveys, interactive mapping, and public comment tools.

The consultant would also conduct stakeholder interviews and develop strategies addressing neighborhood stabilization and compatibility with future development.

Community feedback would help guide the proposed downtown development framework and design standards.

The project would conclude with a Downtown Strategic Action Plan and proposed amendments to the city’s zoning regulations.

Those amendments would require additional review before being presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

The consultant’s proposal outlines a six-month project schedule.

Stormwater study would examine flooding and drainage

Council will also consider a $60,000 stormwater and watershed study associated with redevelopment of the approximately 22-acre Commercial Circle District.

According to city documents, the study would evaluate existing drainage infrastructure, localized flooding, and potential downstream impacts on Robins Air Force Base.

The Central Georgia Joint Development Authority has secured funding through the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program.

Under the proposed agreement, the authority would contribute $60,000 toward the study, with Warner Robins responsible for any additional costs.

The city has selected Ardurra to conduct the work.

According to the proposed task order, Ardurra would analyze existing drainage conditions and model stormwater flows during 10-, 25- and 100-year storm events.

The firm would also evaluate how future Commercial Circle redevelopment could affect drainage infrastructure and identify areas where flooding risks could increase.

The study would develop two alternatives for drainage improvements. Both would address downstream stormwater flows, with one also seeking improvements in existing flood-prone areas.

Potential improvements to be evaluated include drainage infrastructure upgrades, detention areas, and green infrastructure.

Stormwater work is part of a proposed three-phase effort

The documents identify the $60,000 study as the first phase of a larger, three-phase effort.

The second phase would involve construction documents, followed by construction in the third phase.

The current proposal covers only the planning study.

Ardurra would also prepare estimated construction costs, identify potential funding sources and develop a phased implementation plan for recommended projects.

The task order calls for the study to be completed within four months after the city issues a notice to proceed.

What happens next?

The November 2 agenda includes three related decisions: approval of the downtown design guidelines contract, an intergovernmental agreement for stormwater study funding, and a task order authorizing Ardurra’s work.

Both projects are recommended for approval by city staff.

The City Council meeting will take place at 700 Watson Boulevard, immediately following the pre-council meeting.

The proposals remain subject to council consideration.