Thankful For The Corridor

The other morning I left my house, made my way up to College Street, paused briefly at the roundabout, and continued my run as the Alexander II cross guard so kindly waved and walked out to make sure traffic stopped for me- as well as her charges.

 

I continued my run through the ever beautiful campus of Mercer University, with its aged campus and oak trees which first captured my heart some 15 or so years ago.

 

I wound through the campus towards the University Center, built sometime around my junior year, to the football stadium- which came about upon my most recent return to finish at Mercer. Through Mercer Village and into Jittery Joe’s to pick up my morning coffee. I have a coffee machine, a damn good one, but I still like to end my runs with Jittery Joe’s coffee and a walk through Tatnall Square Park back to my home.

 

I’m new to living in the Corridor, although I lived here when I was originally in college so long ago. It’s changed so much for the better. It’s mind-boggling to me that without the ideas of a Mercer senior class that the College Hill Corridor would not have happened. Without Mercer and the City of Macon’s willingness to make it happen. Without the Knight Foundation. Without the people who have worked at College Hill over the years. And now the way we’ve known it is coming to an end.

 

It’s rather well documented here that I hate endings. This ending isn’t even my own. But I kind of feel like it is. I’ve been to many a Second Sunday concert. I’m a Mercer grad. I live here now. I go to Tatnall Square Park on an almost daily basis. My everyday life is richer for everything that College Hill has done.

 

Those that work there day by day are on their ways to other opportunities. I hesitate to think how my life might be different without their hard work. Without those who worked there, who volunteered, who attended events and gave money for all of this to happen.

 

I’m grateful to them all. My life is so much richer for this community that I have. For neighbors who I can walk to see, and a beautiful view of the park even just for a casual stroll. For a gigantic slide on Coleman Hill, and music on certain Sundays to listen to. For friends on Magnolia, and a derby, too.

 

Goodbyes make me emotional, I do not like them at all. While I know we aren’t saying a permanent “goodbye” to the College Hill Alliance, it is transforming to an all volunteer group. December 9th they are having an event to say thank you and tell us where the plan is from here. RSVP’s are requested (email info@collegehillmacon.com). As is said in the event invite:

We have a success story to celebrate! Join the College Hill Alliance and the College Hill Corridor Commission for an evening of fond reflection on one of the community’s most endearing, game-changing neighborhood revitalization projects. Where we go from here will also be revealed – and celebrated with food, drinks, live music by Robert Lee Coleman and the Night Owls and other special guests.

 

I don’t know about y’all, but I plan to bring a box of tissues. I am so very thankful for these people and all that they have done.

 

Love to all y’all,

 

Molly