Baldwin County Listening Project members took to City Hall’s front steps Oct. 28 to protest for improved housing costs and safety during the city council’s monthly meeting. Signs held by protesters included statements such as “Address the housing crisis,” “Hold landlords accountable,” and “Defend renters.”
During the public comment period of the meeting, two members of the Baldwin County Listening Project spoke to the council. Tony Cofield Jr., a graduate of Georgia College & State University, decided to make Milledgeville his permanent residence after graduation. He spoke on behalf of the Listening Project, describing people who make up the organization as a mixed group of “races, religions, and gender, all unified in a lack of affordable housing.”
The Baldwin County Listening Project prepared a packet of information for the council, including the outcomes of a housing survey. The survey featured 300 responses, with results stating that more than 60% of Milledgeville residents agreed that rent has become too expensive. An in-depth article on the survey will be in next week’s Baldwin Bulletin.
At the end of the presentation regarding housing costs, Mayor Mary Parham-Copelanthanked the Listening Project for their efforts in creating the presentation packet and the points within their speeches.
After the comments on housing affordability and lack of landlord accountability, city council heard about neighbors’ dissatisfaction with the Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of a construction project in downtown Milledgeville at 540 W. McIntosh St.
“For the last eight years, I’ve been trying to protect my neighborhood,” said adjacent property owner Virginia Knapp.
Virginia Knapp and Richard Knapp both expressed concerns that the construction has grown beyond the previously approved plans, does not adhere to historic guidelines, and that the commission’s process of approval was unjust.
“What we have is important to the state, not just us (neighbors),” said John Alta, a witness brought by Virginia Knapp. “This used to be the capital; we have a lot of history, and we must protect that.”
The city council collectively agreed to overturn the Historic Preservation Commission’s previous approval of property renovations at 540 W. McIntosh St.
Concluding the meeting, council unanimously reappointed two members of the Land Bank Authority Board, Ryan Frier and Gus Pursley, and approved one alcohol license application for Jolly Rogers Pub and Song.
City council’s next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 in City Hall at 119 E. Hancock St.