N. Augusta approves plans to add more to Riverside Village

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Monday, North Augusta city leaders approved plans to add apartments, retail, a grocery store and more to the area by SRP Park.

The pieces of land that look to be built up are the last pieces of the puzzle from the original plan for Riverside Village in 2017.

With the prime location next to the Greenway and the Green Jackets’ home stadium, the city wants the most of this location.

“Live, work and play. We want density. We want crowded. We want congestion. We want walkability.” said North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams.

Now, it’s all set into motion with unanimous approval from the city council.

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• N. Augusta leaders make next step in Riverside Village plans
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“That’s going to open up more residential for people who live at Riverside village, but more retail with restaurants and shops, It’s just gonna make Riverside village even better than it already is, so we’re very excited,” said Williams.

Fred Ilardi was at the meeting, and he wasn’t as excited. He lives by Riverside Village and made his concerns before the plan was approved.

“There’ll be too many cars in the same place at the same time and I equate it to musical chairs. There are a lot of cars coming and going,” said Ilardi.

With increased traffic, Williams says the city is changing how it currently enforces public parking by the ballpark.

“We’ve not done a good job of enforcing public parking,” said Williams.

The city says they have time to figure out the best way to enforce with more traffic to come.

Overall, leaders are excited about what’s to come.

“We’re really, really excited to get this completed, which has been the goal back when Mayor Jones back in 2017,” said Williams.

Ilardi says he wants things to stay less congested, which is the reason why he moved here.

“I’m from New York City and New Jersey. I just love the feeling of North Augusta and I’m trying my best to do what’s right for the city. I love where I live. I love my neighbors. I love the guys I play golf with and it’s just been a very pleasant experience for me,” said Ilardi.

Williams says dirt could start moving as early as the end of summer with people moving into the new apartments by 2027.

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