We've come a long way, baby

As the bridge crossing Mercer University Drive connecting the new loft development and the main Mercer campus swung in place, it's easy to forget how far we've come.

Almost six years ago, the City Council's Public Works And Engineering Committee voted against allowing Mayor Robert Reichert to execute a deal with Mercer to use money from a grant that would have paid for gardening material that would have improved the area at the interchange that sits just a block from the new bridge. The state had cut back on maintaining roadway landscaping. The grant would have paid for the planting materials, and Mercer would have maintained the area at no cost to the city.

It was a disappointing setback but only one sign of dysfunction as council members struggled to explain away why they were turning down a $50,000 grant. But as the bridge turned and was bolted into place Wednesday, so has Mercer University Drive turned the corner to become the new gateway into the city -- and the bridge is only the latest facet. The old Tindall Heights Housing complex close to the bridge will disappear and be replaced by new housing. Work on phase one of the Second Street Corridor is already complete, and work on phase two has already begun. One block west of the bridge a new hotel will welcome visitors as will shops, and by next year students and their parents will cross the bridge to classes and football games.

Yes, we've come a long way, baby.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 6:58 PM with the headline "We've come a long way, baby ."