Augusta Appoints Tanya Barnhill as District 4 Successor

News Summary

The Augusta Commission has appointed Tanya Barnhill as the temporary successor to the District 4 seat, following Alvin Mason’s resignation. The decision came through a 5-3 vote by the commissioners. With ongoing housing issues at the forefront, including serious safety concerns in low-income apartments, Barnhill’s role is critical in ensuring the community’s wellbeing. The Commission is also considering discussions about an Outdoor Urban Adventure Center to enhance recreational opportunities while addressing pressing housing challenges.

Augusta – The Augusta Commission has appointed Tanya Barnhill as the temporary successor to the District 4 seat previously held by Alvin Mason, who resigned last month. Barnhill’s selection came through a 5-3 vote from the commissioners, with District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson opting to abstain.

Mason’s resignation on June 17 followed his assertion that he “had done all I can do” during his time in office. This marked the end of a lengthy public service career that began when he was first elected to the Augusta Commission in 2007 for the South Augusta district. After a hiatus from the commission due to medical issues, including a three-month leave for back surgery last year, Mason was reappointed to District 4 following the conviction of his predecessor for federal crimes. He has also served two decades in the Army, from 1984 to 2004.

This transition in leadership comes at a critical period for Augusta, as the Commission is concurrently addressing ongoing housing issues that have raised safety concerns in the community. On August 5, the Commission plans to discuss the potential revocation of business licenses for three low-income apartment buildings, including the Maxwell House and the properties managed by Redwood Housing, which operates the Richmond Summit and Bon Air apartments.

Residents, including Yolanda Brooks from Maxwell House, have spoken out about the dire living conditions they face. They report various safety hazards, including rodents, mold, lead paint, and malfunctioning elevators following a fire incident in July. Brooks noted that these conditions pose particular dangers to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children living in the building.

Commissioner Johnson has characterized the situation at Maxwell House as “inhumane,” underscoring the importance of ensuring tenants do not live in fear of unsafe conditions or potential eviction stemming from the property’s management failures. He has called for property owners to present a concrete action plan demonstrating how they intend to address these widespread issues.

The housing problems are compounded by a history of violence and poor living conditions reported at Bon Air, a site that has transitioned from a former grand hotel to subsidized housing. In recent developments, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an individual wanted on multiple charges linked to the area that may further contribute to community unrest.

While discussions around housing take center stage, the Augusta Commission is also exploring innovative city enhancements, including the potential establishment of an Outdoor Urban Adventure Center. This project could feature a zipline over the Savannah River and aims to promote recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

As the Augusta Commission prepares to tackle both the leadership vacancy and the pressing housing concerns, the implications of these decisions will shape the living standards and quality of life for District 4 residents. The outcomes of the upcoming meetings will be pivotal in determining both the future of Augusta’s housing landscape and the effective governance of the commission in these challenging times.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Augusta Commission Picks Interim Member for Vacant Seat
• Augusta Chronicle: Commission Discusses New Augusta Arena Name
• WJBF: Augusta Commission Looking to Add Projects to Recommended SPLoST List
• The Augusta Press: Augusta Agenda Packed with Zipline Vote
• WRDW: Temporary Successor Chosen for Vacant Augusta Commission Seat
• Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
• Google Search: Augusta Commission
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta
• Google News: Augusta Housing Issues
• Google Scholar: Augusta Commission