After razing around 750 buildings, that demolition phase of Macon-Bibb County’s blight fight is waning, Mayor Lester Miller said during this month’s Ask Mayor Miller program. (6:42 into video)
“I think we’re going to start slowing down on that and starting to rehab a lot more homes. We still have some on the list and, of course, we’ll get to those in proper time, but we want to make sure that we start now building some houses. That’s going to be our main focus,” Miller said.
The mayor is confident the county will win a pending lawsuit filed by a man claiming his constitutional rights were violated when his house was torn down last year, (6:01) but they are now shifting efforts to help people rehabilitate houses that reasonably can be repaired.
The Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund began with $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and recently hired Natalie Bouyett as its first executive director. (4:57)
“We want to get as much inventory as we can, that is affordable to people, out into the market,” he said. “We have a committee with a lot of folks on there, with the housing authority, with the land bank authority, with the school system, with the county and other experts on there. So, we’re making some good progress and I expect for 2025 to be a great year for housing in Macon-Bibb County.”
Miller saluted Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning’s first major revision of the Comprehensive Land Development Resolution that governs future planning. (7:12) A draft is ready for public input.
“It’s one thing to have growth and the other thing is to make sure you have positive growth,” Miller said. “I think this is a smart step on their behalf. I hope people can engage in there, put their input there and make sure they can come up with a good plan that’s going to be something that is going to be sustainable for a long period of time.”
The mayor said the county is working with Sen. John Ossoff and Rep. Sanford Bishop on suggested projects for federal infrastructure dollars. (17:06)
More than a half-million dollars in SPLOST renovations to Lake Tobesofkee campgrounds and docks are in addition to the unsolicited proposal from Lovejoy Capital to create a “glamping” haven at the lake. (7:56) No rival plans were submitted, Miller said.
“I think it all works together because they’re all the different parts of the lake, the money we put aside out there has been stuff that’s been needed to be done for awhile. So, a lot of people are excited about that going out there. We need to upgrade those campgrounds, make sure they’re put to good use,” he said.
Crime and speed cameras
Miller sees progress in the Macon Violence Prevention programs bringing down crime rates, (9:51), and the new technology like intricate surveillance systems and Shot Spotter helping identify criminals. (16:20)
School speed zone cameras continue to generate questions from the public. (13:22)
The mayor reiterated that tickets are issued at any part of the school day when drivers go more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit, but the flashing lights only indicate hours when the speed limit is reduced during arrival and dismissal hours. In the legislation that governs the use of school safety cameras, the school day is defined as running from an hour before arrival and an hour after departure.
He also explained the county gets 75% of the ticket revenue and the company receives the other 25% but handles all the billing and administrative costs.
The county’s share gets pumped back into public safety spending in a variety of ways including a plan for new crossing guards at schools and more crime-fighting technology.
Additional signage warning of speed cameras is the county’s way of being transparent so motorists won’t be caught unaware, he said.
“The numbers are going up on collections only because we’ve added new schools to our areas. We have seen speed decrease in most of the school zones. You should see tickets go down in those zones when people become more educated about them,” Miller said. “But the bottom line is, if you really want to stick it to the government, if you think it’s a money grab, don’t speed. We’ll get zero money and we’ll all be happy because of it.”
Confederate controversy, fostering unity
Miller explained why he hit pause on the United Daughters of the Confederacy’s plan to install a placard in honor of Black Confederate fifer Charley Benger in Soldier’s Square in Rose Hill Cemetery. The vote originally received unanimous approval before three commissioners changed votes. (00:21)
“There were some misunderstandings of whether or not this person was free or not free, whether they were forced into this servitude. So, I think answering all those questions became important,” he said.
People referring to the plaque as a Confederate monument helped fuel emotions, Miller said.
He asked representatives of the UDC to have a conversation with the local chapter of the NAACP.
“I think this is the best thing for the community to place this on hold, to take a deep breath and get all the facts and make sure that everyone gets heard,” he said.
The meeting might not happen until next year, he said.
Miller also applauded the public’s effort to participate in the Macon Action Plan XL, the third iteration of urban planning for the downtown core and beyond. (3:37)
“Having those types of plans and meetings allows everyone in our community to have input before you make these big decisions,” he said. “We have a lot of partners that work behind the scenes in doing that, and we’re looking forward to moving to the next level.”
Miller also shared his reasons for using his personal Facebook page to promote the Nov. 10 Evening of Faith, Hope and Unity at the Atrium Health Amphitheater featuring nationally known Contemporary Christian and Gospel artists Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton, Rebecca St. James and Mike Kennebrew. (10:45)
Unlike other concerts at the new venue, there was no promoter for this event, and the evening’s success could set a precedent for more Christian artists to perform in the coming years, he said.
“It’s going to bring a lot of people together and have a good time, a good diverse crowd there, is what we’re looking for. A wholesome environment and a way that we can just springboard our community up into 2025 to be a better place to live,” Miller said.
The concert also features the Hope for the Heart of Georgia Sound Collective and a combined choir from Beulahland Bible and First Presbyterian churches from Macon and Second Baptist and Fellowship Bible Baptist churches from Warner Robins.
Miller believes the timing will bring people together after a tumultuous election.
“There’s going to be some issues that we need some healing on. I think there’s no better way to have that, a week later, on a Sunday evening to have a time for unity and hope and have some good, clean music,” he said. “People need to get involved in that.”
Send your questions for the next Ask Mayor Miller to [email protected].
— This story was edited to clarify that school speed zone camera tickets are only written within the school day, meaning from an hour before arrival until an hour after departure. The flashing lights only indicate a reduced speed limit during dismissal and arrival. Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities for The Macon Newsroom of the Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
