The spotlight was on a proposed roundabout at the junction of McDowell Street and Monte Sano Avenue during Thursday’s Augusta-Richmond County Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

Following deliberations, the commission decided unanimously to advise against the project, citing concerns related to historical preservation and the neighborhood’s character.

This proposed roundabout, intended to be situated between two churches in Augusta’s Summerville district, has raised concerns among residents who emphasize its frequent use by families, congregants, and local businesses.

The meeting occurred just two weeks after a Summerville neighborhood town hall at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, where locals expressed their apprehensions about the project.

“The community, the people that live in Summerville, don’t want it,” stated David Barbee, the chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission.

 “I’m a member of Trinity Hill Methodist Church, and I can’t speak for the church either. However, it doesn’t seem to be needed.”

While the commission’s recommendation focused on historic preservation, pedestrian safety was also a major concern raised during the meeting.

John Scherer, chairman at St. Mary on the Hill, said the intersection sees constant foot traffic from multiple directions.

“We have people going to businesses, going to churches, and coming from schools,” Scherer said. “So we don’t think a roundabout would be the safest place to be with as much pedestrian traffic as we have.”

Commissioner Bob Young added that traffic patterns in the area have been established for generations and that the proposed design does not fit the character of the neighborhood.

“This traffic circle is just totally out of context with the established neighborhood of Summerville,” Young said. 

“As such, we believe we have an opportunity to speak out and remind the mayor and commissioners that there are historic considerations that should be taken into account as they do these public works projects.”

Neighbors emphasized they are not opposed to roundabouts in general, but said they would be more open to considering one in a nearby location, such as along Central Ave., to help improve traffic flow without disrupting the historic district.

The Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation will now be forwarded to Augusta leaders for further consideration.