With the completion of Wadsworth Alley comes another alleyway project in the works that is expected to bring the LINC trail system through downtown Newnan, allowing for a gathering space.
During the annual Newnan Main Street meeting on February 14, it was expressed that the alleyway between Central Baptist Church and the Carnegie Library has seen an increase in foot traffic due to the expansion of Central Baptist Church and the closure of Brown Street between Broad and Spring Streets.
City of Newnan Main Street director Courtney Harcourt explains, “The Carnegie library has amazing programs occurring inside and outside of its historic building. With little outdoor space, the programs often spill onto the sidewalk and they have even closed a few parking spaces to accommodate larger programs. The addition of alley space could expand the reach of the library with outside story time, a place to show off the library’s seed collection in garden beds, and a meeting spot for the weekly walking group.”
Central Baptist Church should complete the addition in the next few months and the alleyway will become less clogged with construction vehicles and trash receptacles. With outdoor seating at a premium, a discussion would take place to decide what type of alleyscaping and placemaking would happen in this alleyway. Those interested in learning more about the plans of the Carnegie-Thompson Alley can click here.
Courtney elaborated further on the excitement and enthusiasm that these particular projects have brought to downtown Newnan,“It has created excitement and enthusiasm by the volunteers that have worked on the projects, and provided a sense of place in a formerly unusable-undesirable space. There is also an economic impact. Several projects have begun within the block that surrounds Wadsworth Alley that are independent of our Placemaking projects. We like to think that our efforts have made these places seem more appealing.”
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