I remember a conversation that a long and multi-term commissioner and I had about the different communities in Augusta and how some seem to prosper, while others seem to decline to the point of decay.
Not only here in Augusta, but other cities both large and small across the United States have chronically depressed areas.
This commissioner I was speaking with stated that it was very easy to know when you were in the impoverished part of a town.
I must have looked puzzled because he reminded me that my entire adult life was spent traveling from city to city, town to town. How could I not tell? What were the things that I saw in almost every impoverished part of a town ?
I thought of some of the many towns, the same picture and situation became clear of the similarities they shared. All were heavily populated with liquor stores, convenience stores selling beer and wine, fast food eateries, dollar stores, auto title pawn locations and store front churches.
The streets in these areas would be in dismal condition with litter abounding.
As time passed I also learned that not only were these businesses charging more for their products, but the owners and operators of these businesses most often did not even live in that part of town. They were more parasitic and predatory, taking but never giving back.
I thought about how this happens. The answer is very clear, the same elected officials that are elected to represent the best interest of the citizens, allow this to happen by approving every application that comes before them.
Now it’s easy for them to convince their constituents that it’s growth. At what cost? It seems the only growth they are thinking about is the additional taxes that a business will bring into the city coffers for them to spend on pet projects and people.
When predatory growth is allowed to happen, no matter how many roofs are in a community, other good growth will not happen. The community is doomed to never have a chance at a real food store and although a commissioner or two will tell you they got a grocery store coming, it never happens.
There will never be a chance of a pharmacy and not a real chance of a high quality sit down restaurant to come to the community; they just can’t and won’t compete.
Here is a factual example of what elected officials do: Once, a now sitting commissioner made a valid point on this subject by stating that there are too many places that sell alcohol in the district and that licenses should be limited. Then, fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when a new liquor store application was filed for a location in district five.
The planning and zoning department had recommended that the application be denied, and the applicant hired an attorney to find a loophole.
The attorney found a loophole and it seems that the school that was near the location was not a grammar school, middle or high school, but a smaller college.
An attorney with the city attorney department stated that the wording was not specific and the college was not particularly covered as a school proper. The school in question, according to statements, had stated and signed a document, which was held up and shown, did not object to the store.
Long story short, the commission could indeed approve.
Commissioner Bobby Williams stated that since it was in his district he would make a motion to approve, he did, it was lightning fast seconded and passed.
So as you can see, the commissioners control the growth.
The Washington Road area in West Augusta has and is quickly turning into the do not go after dark part of town. The stretch between Alexander Drive and Fury’s Ferry Road has become a human game of Frogger.
People are crossing Washington Road back and forth at all hours of the day and night, hardly ever using a crosswalk. Some have a small child on their hip or in a stroller crossing the busy road with no regard for their safety.
Human trafficking abounds in that area, as does drugs, petty theft, shoplifting and panhandling, as well as the explosion of the large population of the homeless.
Still the businesses in that area seem to prosper. Not because of the city’s help, but because of their own endeavors to control their investments, though many hire private security. The police are so understaffed that they cannot possibly be everywhere at the same time.
I personally travel that section of Washington Road several times a week at all hours of the day and night. Whenever I stop to go into a location I am very aware of my surroundings. Certain places I will not shop at because of the harassment. Some panhandlers are very aggressive and seem to want to prey on women who are alone are the younger generation.
Just this past week another murder was committed in one of the Washington Road motels. While a murder is not a common occurrence in any hotel, other issues are common.
How can the owners and operators of these motels protect their best interest? Is it more police presence or is it more in their own hands? Will better business practices help? Who has an answer or suggestion?
Once again it is that silly season of elections. The sound of Fleetwood Mac’s song “Sweet Little Lies” will again be heard in subtle tones, but it will be heard.
Again, persons that no one has ever seen at a commission meeting, city forum or a community meeting to address vital issues will be running for a position. Many people say they will be running, but until that person has gone down to the election board office and filed to raise money for campaigning and has announced publicly to a news outlet, then it’s only words.
I have been told by many that they are running; however, they have not filed anything as yet. Therefore I will not announce their name. The ones that I have announced have texted or emailed me personally.
I also will not put forth the juicy gossip I have already heard about a couple that are indeed running or running again. I won’t put forth hearsay.
Which of the candidates will call for a forensic audit? Who will have the intestinal fortitude to call for the terminations of underperforming and misleading department directors? I know of three that won’t.
Which candidate will call for new hires to be hired strictly on ability and not race, gender or sexual orientation? Again, most people know of three that won’t.
Have you ever wondered why all roads that lead into Augusta turn into overcrowded race tracks around 5 p.m. leaving Augusta? Simple, it’s the way Augusta is run by the elected leaders. The lack of accountability from most department directors is also a reason. It’s dismal.
A full vote for the mayor will be on the May ballot. I urge all to consider giving Augusta’s mayor a vote and join the push for the city charter to be restructured.
Folks, as always, you just can’t make this stuff up.
