Citizens of Americus and Sumter County, I have been away from Facebook for several days, but I have not been away from the mission of demanding a BETTER AMERICUS. I write to inform that I attended my last meeting as an Honorary Council Member on Wednesday last. It was a combined City/County meeting, and a guest explained to those present (including the City of Leslie) how bonds work. It was an interesting and informative presentation, and it sounded to me like we are only a few short months away from having access to sufficient monies to begin work on several sorely needed projects. No specifics were given at the meeting as to which projects would be addressed first -- but the format of how to apply for the bond monies was explained, and the City and County agreed to have proposals ready for consideration by July. I hesitate to tell this because I know that this is going to upset supporters of our public library, but the City explained that because of its funding shortages, it is forced to ask the County to take over the responsibility of funding the library. The library supporters should take comfort in that the County received the request warmly and did not shy away from it at all. In fact, there seemed to be a spirit of cooperation and good will between the City and County that I was not expecting. Another topic of interesting discussion was the need to increase business and revenues in Americus and Sumter County. Randy Howard explained that the County had been in negotiations with the Inland Port people, and that he had been informed that Americus is limited in its capacity to participate in the Inland Port project because it could not accommodate Norfolk Southerns bigger trains. While nothing specific was mentioned in the way of job creation, the gist of the conversation was that if we could accommodate Norfolk Southern, this town would enjoy the possibility of many more jobs and much more trade. The reason we cannot accommodate that railroad is our railroad bridge on South Lee Street. Because the tracks have been dug down as far as they can without endangering the trains, the bridge itself simply must be raised by four feet. If you have ever stopped to look at that bridge -- and the houses and churches that flank it - - you recognize why this is such a sensitive and difficult issue. But, it is an opportunity for increased business in this town, and so it is an important issue for the citizens to begin discussing. I am happy to report that the City is making more sidewalk repairs on Jackson Street and that several of the houses that are being repaired on Jackson Street are looking beautiful. A few of the lawns are in need of mowing again, but with this wonderful rainy weather, thats going to happen. Ive noticed less trash in the street. Ive seen far more police activity on the street. It wont be long before we could make Jackson Street the beautiful walking corridor between the historic district and downtown. I am so looking forward to having the depot moved there - - it is a wonderful sight to behold when the Sam Shortline stops and a train full of people disembark to enjoy (and spend their money) in the downtown area. It will be nice when those people are comfortable walking from the Sam Shortline to downtown and when the Trolley does not have to whisk them away over to Lee Street. I cant imagine how happy the realtors in town are to see improvements on Jackson Street as well. How difficult it must be to show property in this town! But, with all of our attention on the issue and with all of our attention on the leaders of this community, we can turn this town into a home that we are proud to bring guests to, and a place where people will be happy to invest money in -- not just to buy and rent to low income persons, but a place to buy and live! My best to all of you, and my thanks to you for joining me in demanding (and helping to create) a BETTER AMERICUS!
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:13:29 +0000
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