Issues with unhoused people vandalizing property, panhandling in the street and trashing interstate gateways dominated this month’s questions submitted for Ask Mayor Miller, which also delved into politics, (00:19 into video), upcoming elections, (4:46), traffic enforcement (8:10), and what is behind the recent change in status for Code Enforcement, (6:23).
Multiple people raised concerns about public urination, drug use and loads of litter piling up in places where unhoused people congregate. (10:45)
“I think it’s always going to be a challenge until the interstate project is complete, we expect that to be done by the end of this year, at least the downtown portion, so we can better secure that, better secure the trails and those types of things,” Miller said. “So, Spring Street’s gonna get much better. I keep saying that it is gonna get better. I’m convinced that our unhoused and unsheltered are actually down, and we’re making progress on that. You just see them more readily now.”
No numbers have been released from January’s Point In Time, or PIT, count as evidenced by open records requests filed by Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Grant Blankenship for Macon-Bibb County and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, or DCA. (9:08)
The contract for Jake Hall’s Root Analytics firm responsible for leading the count expired at the end of March, but Miller indicated the county plans to extend that funding a few more months.
“So I’m pleased the way things are going. You can always do a better job, but really have to document everything. I’ve been in touch with DCA myself. We’re working on some grants and some other things. We’re also going to be working in conjunction with the NewTown Macon on some of the issues or challenges that we had downtown,” Miller said.
The Downtown Business Improvement District recently hired a new outreach specialist with the Block by Block ambassador program to focus on downtown issues with the unhoused population.
While some people suggested using inmate labor to pick up trash along littered streets, the mayor said contracting with state prisons is expensive and he would rather spend funds to hire local contractors to help small businesses. (15:15)
Plus, many of the people housed in the Bibb County jail have not been convicted.
“We can’t go out and work these folks. We can’t go out there and make them do anything. We’re just basically providing a place for them to stay until their court court comes up,” Miller said.
Vandalism in businesses along Emery and Gray highways is a law enforcement issue, he said.
“If someone’s violating the law, that’s what you have a sheriff’s department for, right? So there’s an answer. This is not a new problem,” Miller said.
Macon resident Bob Fenimore wants to know why there seems to be very little traffic enforcement except for officers directing traffic for funerals and church services.
Miller said he believes Sheriff David Davis is putting together a new unit. (8:10)
“So, you’ll see more cars roll out there with lights and sirens and all that good stuff. And hopefully people will obey the law. I mean, really, if people would simply obey the law, we wouldn’t need all this additional equipment and officers,” Miller said.
He explained the recent change in Code Enforcement status only brought employees in that department under a public safety classification so they could benefit from employee retention bonuses and apply for a drone unit through the FAA. (6:25)
Politics, progress, honoring Bill Elder
While changes to the state law for school speed zone cameras were still pending, Miller said the county will adhere to whatever legislators mandate.
He was pleased that the bill to authorize a referendum on his senior citizen property tax reduction proposal passed both houses of the Georgia Legislature, which was one of his top priorities for this session.
Miller also celebrated the doubling of historic tax credits for renovating eligible properties.
“We’re one of the top users of those tax credits in the state of Georgia, and a lot of our revitalization in the downtown area comes from the tax credits, and a lot of the growth that we had in our digest comes from that. So we’re so excited.”
He thanked the Chamber of Commerce, NewTown Macon, Historic Macon Foundation and others who lobbied for that passage.
The mayor also commented on recent groundbreakings for a new health clinic for Unionville and the Pleasant Hill Landing apartments. (2:15)
He was frustrated that the Community Enhancement Authority has not thoroughly accounted for millions of dollars the Georgia Department of Transportation invested to lift poverty in the historically Black neighborhood split by construction of Interstate 75. (3:39)
“It’s kind of frustrating to go through that neighborhood and looking at all the work that we’re doing there, to look at an organization that hasn’t really kept up their end of the bargain there. Some of those houses that were built for substantial money are now boarded up. So there’s a concern for that,” Miller said.
On the west side of the county, Miller also believes proposed enhancements for luxury camping at Lake Tobesofkee will eventually happen, but they are still in the planning stages. (21:49)
Near Carolyn Crayton Park, completion of the Walnut Street enhancements was delayed by the recent spate of severe weather that spawned tornadoes in March, but should be completed soon.
The county’s recent tornadoes delayed completion of Walnut Street enhancements and the new parking lot across from Carolyn Crayton Park. (18:27)
He believes the recent Cherry Blossom Festival will set attendance and revenue records.(17:19)
“Never seen so many different tags from all across the state of Georgia, and outside of Georgia in downtown Macon, spending money. You know, prices tick up a little bit every year, and I hear people say, ‘I don’t pay this much for a corn dog,’ but you’re paying for the atmosphere. But at the same time, when you go to the grocery store today, your prices are going up too,” he said.
Macon broadcast veteran Daryll Smith suggested the mayor declare May 21 as Bill Elder Day in honor of the radio announcer who passed away in February. (20:19)
Miller said a plan is already in the works after former radio personality Kenny Burgamy requested a similar honor shortly after Elder passed away. He thinks May 21st would be an appropriate time to issue a proclamation.
“Quite honestly, we ‘re all gonna love and miss Bill Elder, and I listened to him on 99 ways, coming up myself for many years when I was much younger, but I think we can make that happen,” Miller said.
To send a question for the next Ask Mayor Miller, email [email protected]
—Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities for The Macon Newsroom and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
