News Summary
The Bon Air Apartments in Augusta are under fire due to crime and maintenance issues despite receiving millions in taxpayer funding for repairs. Residents have voiced concerns over rising crime rates, inadequate security, and ongoing maintenance failures. Local officials, including U.S. Representative Rick Allen, have criticized the conditions and the apparent apathy of the management. As renovations begin, community members remain skeptical about safety and livability, with the Augusta Commission indicating potential action if improvements are not made.
Augusta, GA – The Bon Air Apartments, a Section 8 housing facility, are under increasing scrutiny following ongoing issues related to crime and maintenance. The Augusta Commission convened a meeting where the director of construction for Redwood Housing addressed the persistent complaints despite the receipt of millions in taxpayer funding aimed at facilitating repairs and enhancements to the property.
Residents and community members reported a variety of serious problems affecting their quality of life, including extensive maintenance issues and security concerns. Recent violent incidents, including stabbings and shootings near the complex, have contributed to rising unease among nearby residents.
U.S. Representative Rick Allen has publicly criticized the condition of the Bon Air Apartments, emphasizing that complaints have been ongoing for several years. This alarming trend has drawn attention from local government officials, including Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice, who expressed her frustration over what she perceives as apathy in resolving these concerns. Mayor Garnett Johnson also urged Redwood Housing to enhance security measures to foster better community relations.
Amidst the continuing troubles, Commissioner Jordan Johnson warned that the landlord’s business license may be placed on probation until satisfactory progress is made regarding improvements. Redwood Housing, which acquired the Bon Air Apartments along with Richmond Summit in 2021, has been called upon to take immediate action to address these critical issues.
Recent Renovations and Ongoing Concerns
Redwood has reportedly initiated renovations at the Bon Air Apartments, which include the installation of upgraded security cameras, the replacement of air-conditioning units, and repairs to the elevators. However, residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with these efforts, citing ongoing issues with security, including frequent reports of gunfire in the vicinity.
Residents like Frank Dolan expressed frustration regarding the ineffectiveness of security personnel, calling attention to the pressing need for accountability within the housing management. Numerous residents have claimed to live without basic amenities such as hot water and functional air conditioning due to inadequate maintenance, prompting many to resort to involving code enforcement for assistance.
Community Safety and Future Oversight
At the meeting, attendees expressed concern about the implications of the current living conditions on the surrounding community, especially for local schools which could be negatively impacted by the increase in violence associated with the apartments. City officials inspected crime data showing that Bon Air has one of the highest crime rates in Augusta, prompting discussions about tougher regulations should the situation fail to improve.
The commission is set to receive another report from Redwood Housing within the next 30 days. Commissioner Rice indicated that if improvements are not made, the commission might consider revoking Redwood’s business license. This tough stance reflects the ongoing commitment of Augusta leaders to ensure safe and habitable living conditions for all residents.
Security Measures and Management Response
While Bob Duke of Redwood Housing claimed that the management strives to maintain high-quality properties, reactions from the resident community suggest otherwise. Reports of unauthorized access to apartments by maintenance staff and inadequate security measures contribute to the growing distrust among residents concerning their safety and well-being.
In light of these issues, officials and residents alike remain watchful, as they anticipate critical changes to enhance the living conditions at the Bon Air Apartments. The city’s leadership is clearly preparing to take a more aggressive stance on oversight, signaling to Redwood Housing that it must prioritize the safety and satisfaction of its residents to earn the community’s trust and support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Residents
Augusta Shooting Claims Life of Local Man
Severe Storm Causes Fatalities and Damage in Augusta
Man Arrested in Connection with Homeless Woman’s Body
Fort Eisenhower Renamed Back to Fort Gordon
Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Damage in Augusta
Multiple Victims Injured in Augusta Shooting Incident
Body Discovered Near 15th Street Bridge in Augusta
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Affordable Housing Project in Gainesville
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Shape up or face the city’s wrath
- Wikipedia: Broken Windows Theory
- WJBF: Augusta Commissioners okay action on business license
- Google Search: Bon Air Apartments
- WFXG: Residents and city leaders raise concerns
- Google Scholar: Bon Air Apartments Augusta
- Augusta Chronicle: Death investigation at Bon Air
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Crime
- The Augusta Press: This is simply unacceptable
- Google News: Augusta Georgia crime news
