Warner Robins has a reputation as a growing city, so when you think of Warner Robins, a need for revitalization is not the first thing to spring to mind. But there are several areas with closed businesses in need of just that. The old Eddie Wiggins lot, which was closed in January of 2009 is an example. Wiggins had filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December of 2008 and the building remained vacant until Wednesday, which brought the official ribbon cutting for the new Jeff Smith dealership. This sort of reuse of old businesses is exactly what Warner Robins needs.
“This is vital to the growth of Warner Robins because the small business owners are the backbone of our community. I just want to thank Jeff Smith for employing 20 people. Last year we didn’t have any people employed at this location but now we’ve got 20 people employed and that’s what we want to do is support small business owners to create jobs for our community.” -Chuck Shaheen/WR Mayor
And Jeff Smith says he’s glad to help.
“It feel great. You take a building that should be vital and having employees and selling cars and people coming in and out for service, and you walk in one and you see it empty, it kind of has a weird feeling. So to take that building and with ICB and Sunmark Banks financing, remodel it to this level, it feels great.” -Jeff Smith/Business Owner
Mayor Shaheen says that more revitalization efforts are planned from Watson boulevard down to Pleasant Hill and several locations on Russell Parkway.
