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Magical Christmas lights in downtown Athens, Christmas 2016
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Opinion - Are Magical Athens Fall Seasons a Thing of the Past? by Bill Crane
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It was early November, five falls ago. I was driving up Clayton Street into downtown Athens during a light and misting rain. It was dusk, the street lights were coming on, ringed by lit Christmas wreaths. Students and area residents were scurrying in and out of downtown stores and restaurants. It all looked like a scene from some Hallmark Christmas movie, almost magical. I gave a quick mobile call to then Athens Mayor Nancy Denson, wished her a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season and said simply, "I don't know exactly what you are doing Madame Mayor, but as I drive through this winter wonderland downtown, I just have to say keep on doing it."
Fall is my favorite season of the year, and typically Athens, Georgia during fall is my favorite place to be. The Twilight Criterion, Georgia football Saturdays, downtown free concerts and shopping, a wide selection of some of my favorite restaurants and bars as well as the rooftop lounge at the Georgia Theatre...these are among the treasures which caused Athens to previously be named the Number #1 College Town in America, as well as a top destination for retirement.
But not anymore. As our Georgia Bulldogs swept to a big win over the Auburn Tigers in an away game at Auburn on Saturday, October 9th, one UGA co-ed was killed in a tragic hit and run incident downtown. Thankfully, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department was able to quickly identify the vehicle thanks to eyewitnesses and the driver has been identified and will be charged. A second co-ed nearby a few hours prior avoided being abducted by spraying mace in the face of her attempted kidnapper emerging behind her from a paneled van, and she was able to run and escape. Downtown street lights appear in disrepair, and Clayton and several other streets are as often populated by panhandlers and the homeless as happy customers and visitors. Several Clayton Street veteran local businesses are struggling to stay afloat, battling the twin challenges of this ongoing pandemic, and a never-ending construction project intended to beautify and improve the downtown's primary business corridor street.
Clayton Street construction improvements drag on and more resemble a war zone.
https://flagpole.com/news/comment/2021/09/29/clayton-street-construction-has-downtown-businesses-struggling/
The unhoused population of Athens has been surging for several reasons, but downtown and adjacent greenspaces such as the North Oconee River Greenway have become their haven, along with private property and strip centers along the Atlanta Highway corridor heading west out of town. Certainly the pandemic has contributed to several of these challenges, and the summer of racial justice protests in 2020 has in many ways made the profession of policing more challenging...but if the Athens community and its residents do not stand up soon and let their voices be heard in the municipal elections next year at the ballot box. Many of these downgrades may become irreversible. No one is suggesting turning back the clock, or returning to the Athens of 25 or 50 years ago. But the Athens of just five years ago was pretty damn impressive.
Leading during challenging times is no picnic, and the population and politics in Athens have become decidedly progressive in recent years. But in a community of nearly 150,000, I also believe strongly that a common sense consensus remains in place around several core issues which tend to transcend party politics and would seem to be desired by most everyone. A clean and safe Athens, Georgia tops that list. Quality public education and schools, from pre-K through UGA. A public health infrastructure that works to leave no one behind, and does include a social safety net to assist those who sometimes are unable to provide for their families or help themselves. But with all that said, with Clarke County being the smallest by land mass in the entire state of Georgia, and it's by far largest land-holder, the University of Georgia, paying no property or sales tax...the remaining residents, business owners and taxpayers of Clarke County cannot provide or become the 'bread basket' for all of northeast Georgia.
Common sense and a more business focused fiscal approach are needed. Here are some recent significant decisions and choices made by your Athens-Clarke County Commission which call their collective judgment in question -
Athens Homeless Encampment - After lengthy debate, and a tie vote among the Athens-Clarke County Commission, Mayor Kelly Girtz cast the tie breaking vote to use federal Cares Act funds for the establishment of an 18-month Homeless Encampment at 1000 Barber Street, on the former North Athens Middle School campus. The building is not structurally sound, and will not be used to house the unhoused. The grounds and parking lot will be where Athens first responders will redirect or relocate the unhoused for legal 'urban camping.' The initial expense to prepare the site is projected at $250,000, the estimate over the life of the Encampment is $2.1 million. Two Athens police officers in shifts will be onsite, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (annual expense of $600,000.00 per year). NO Athens-Clarke County public school currently receives this level of security or protection. The city indicated it will not run the facility, but will instead partner with an established social services nonprofit. So far, NO nonprofit has stepped forward or expressed strong interest in running such a facility.
The site is adjacent to and across the street from two large Pilgrim's Pride poultry processing plants, and is near the Athens-Clarke Watershed Water Treatment Plant (which is why the city acquired the school site, to expand water treatment capabilities). I love chicken, and we want our water filtered and treated coming out of the Oconee River, but is it logical to believe or assume that homeless campers will choose to use THIS ENCAMPMENT, versus risking being asked to leave the North Oconee River Greenway?
https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/politics/government/2021/08/04/athens-clarkes-approve-homeless-camp-site-mask-and-vaccine-mandate/5481559001/
Former North Athens School on Barber Street site of planned Homeless Encampment
Alternative Response Unit - The Athens-Clarke County Police Department operates two teams of Jerry NeSmith Crisis Intervention Units within the ACCPD. Each unit has a specially trained senior officer and a licensed clinical social worker to support police and EMT calls involving mental health, substance abuse and frequently the homeless population. Funding has been provided to expand to four teams with 8-full time personnel. ACCPD is ahead of the curve and the rest of the state in providing these services and has been receiving recognition and requests for training OTHER police and sheriff offices in other jurisdictions to provide similar services.
https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2021/07/22/athens-clarke-police-crisis-intervention-unit-attracting-interest-across-georgia-mental-health/8054488002/?fbclid=IwAR0T6uE__1UNgImZIUP6uw__zwxCFIOwcduWMOgaw676PATQwv9jn3dhVH4
Instead of simply further expanding this successful public safety offering, the Athens-Clarke County Commission recently appropriated another $278,600.00 in American Rescue Plan funds to establish a three-person, alternative care response unit. No police personnel will be involved in this team. A licensed clinical social worker, a trained 'peer counselor' and an EMT. It was/is unclear where the team will be housed or dispatched from. This unit will be managed by Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, who also provides the staff for the ACCPD existing Crisis Intervention units. The intent is to use this team for non-violent and non-criminal act calls, in what is termed a "civilian response team." Not again to be hyper-critical, but having done multiple police ride-alongs in several urban and rural jurisdictions, and monitoring shifts over the years in several Emergency Dispatch Centers...how will the 911 operators know who to dispatch? The typical suicide call does not always go smoothly. Several instances a year of 'suicide by cop' occur across the nation. Domestic disputes often escalate quickly and uncontrollably as emotions run high. Without a police officer present, won't we simply be placing a well-intentioned group of civilians in harm's way? How effective can three people be during a 168-hour week? Most tragedies and situations require emergency level support do NOT tend to occur dayside between the hours of 9-5. I understand that this is a pilot program, but can its supporters demonstrate ANY OTHER jurisdiction where this model has worked out well? If not, why not simply further invest in the Jerry NeSmith Crisis Intervention Units, which have been performing ably and well in Athens since 2017?
Portland Loo/Permanent Outdoor/Enclosed Public Restroom Facilities - Access to public restrooms has become a problem for many during this pandemic. Many restaurants and retailers continue to keep their restrooms and dining rooms closed. On a game day weekend, UGA, the city and area merchants have added more portalets in numerous locations around town. These create challenges with odor and maintenance, and are at best a bandaid versus a long term solution. That said, again the solution being put forward by our Athens-Clarke County Commission is an outdoor, permanent, enclosed public toilet, to be located in front of the Police Department. The one commode and sink basin facility is modeled after public restroom facilities in other cities such as Portland, Oregon. Not taking a political potshot, but this facility as budgeted will cost nearly $314,000, and another $30,000 per year to clean and maintain. Fewer than 25% of current Athens/Clarke homeowners paid more than $250,000 for their current home. Only a slightly higher percentage have properties currently assessed at a higher value. Wouldn't it simply make MORE $EN$E particularly during large events or heavy traffic weekends downtown to open existing public buildings, such as the Classic Center, City Hall, Courthouse and other city-owned buildings, with more restroom capacity, and to staff and secure those buildings when needed and on occasion, versus year-round and seven days a week? The City of Brookhaven, Georgia has provided clean, safe, well lit and maintained public restrooms, male and female, with multiple commodes, sinks and stalls to the majority of its public parks. These are beautiful facilities, cleaned regularly by public works and park personnel at a substantially lower cost.
https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/politics/government/2021/10/08/athens-ga-portland-loo-concept-approved-downtown-public-restrooms/6055691001/?fbclid=IwAR2QDq1sTXFB_zDLZne5mUlAyP_2aK0vZn1UTh_SflV70qSz-SyB51nqB_g
Like most people, I believe in the Golden Rule, and I always try to treat others the way I would like for my own family and I to be treated. But there is a big difference between a hand up and a handout. Athens is developing a reputation to lead lists we don't want to top, for being home to the latter. The vast majority of Georgia's 500+ cities are holding their Municipal elections during this odd-numbered year. Early voting is now underway. But Athens-Clarke County, Augusta-Richmond, Macon-Bibb County, Columbus-Muscogee and other consolidated governments hold their elections during the even numbered state election years, as we are also electing county-wide constitutional offices, such as Sheriff, Tax Commissioner or District Attorney. The Athens elections are officially nonpartisan, and now oddly held during the General Primary election season, typically followed by a later runoff. This contributes to historically poor voter participation and turnout. As we are ALL concerned about potential voter suppression, access to the polls and all voices being heard, we CLEARLY should all support moving these city/county elections to the fall General Election on the first Tuesday in November. It is again the only sensible choice. During 2022, Athens voters will choose half of a new school board as well as their next Mayor and commissioners for districts # 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is NOT too early to start asking which of those commissioners want an Athens that is clean and safe. Which of these current leaders voted to support the Homeless Encampment? The Alternative Response Unit? Or the pricey Portland Loo? As a tranquil, laid back college town, many local voters and residents appear to have simply tuned out, living in their own neighborhood or part of town, only become concerned when crime or other problems literally land at their doorstep. If you want that magical Clayton Street and downtown Athens of five years ago back, it is time to get out of that Lazy Boy...the Classic City has a lot at stake, and it won't be staying 'classic' too much longer if you choose to simply sit out another election.
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Activists Continue to Push for Police Oversight
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ACC Commissioner Tim Denson (District 5) and Mokah Jasmine Johnson speak to small group at Athens-Clarke County City Hall, in support of previous recommendations by Athens Police Advisory Task Force
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Loud voices are often most often heard by the leadership of any community. Athens, Georgia is no exception. In response to the summer of racial justice protects in 2020, Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz appointed an Athens-Clarke County Police Advisory Task Force to make recommendations on how the ACCPD could better police and work with underserved, disadvantaged and primarily minority communities which historically have disproportionately been impacted by overly aggressive policing in Athens and other communities across the country. The Mayor appointed an unusual collection of committee members, and unfortunately those with prior law enforcement experience choose to leave the committee. ACCPD Chief Cleveland Spruill was intended to be a participant in these meetings, which primarily occurred online during this pandemic. The chief was routinely excluded, asked to not participate in certain meeting portions and routinely treated poorly and hostilly by members of the task force. Eventually after nearly a year of meetings, the Task Force issued a report and recommendations, calling for a full-time Auditor of the Police Department, reporting to the Mayor and Commission, an initial budget of roughly $250,000, and travel expenses and compensation for the future Community Oversight Committee Members.
An online survey of Athens residents, sought by the Task Force found 86 percent of respondents OPPOSED to the recommendations of the task force. And yet, they persist. The Athens Area Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is seeking to participate in future meetings of the commission Government Operations Committee (GOC), responsible for drafting the ordinance for consideration by the Athens-Clarke County Commission. GOC Chair Mike Hamby (District 10 Commissioner) and Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz have both shared with Athens Classic, on several occasions, that the Commission will most likely consider and debate an Athens Community Police Oversight Committee with one-full time staff person, and an all volunteer board, similar to the boards for the library system, planning and zoning and Athens Clean & Beautiful, among others.
Commissioner Tim Denson (District 5) and former Athens Police Advisory Task Force Chair, Mokah Jasmine Johnson, who also chairs the AADM, held a small gathering recently at Athens City Hall, again calling for the Mayor and Commission to adopt their earlier report and recommendations. They of course have every right to do that. But do be aware that their 'vision' for a Police Oversight function is VERY different from virtually every other community in America. It includes reserved slots for convicted felons and those on the receiving end of law enforcement contact, while excluding and law enforcement or peace officer (current and former), the business community, the faith community or any other local elected officials including members of the ACC Commission.
https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2021/10/05/athens-group-rallies-creation-civilian-police-oversight-board/6003109001
Chief Cleveland Spruill, who previously worked in several jurisdictions in the tidewater/Washington, D.C. region, has no problem with a volunteer-community based commission...but one which also includes law enforcement members and input, the business community and a broader cross section of community voices, particularly in a community as diverse as Athens, Georgia with its nearly 150,000 area residents. But again, those louder voices are being heard, if there is a silent majority to the contrary, as the survey results would certainly indicate...speak now, or forever hold your fractured peace officers. The lack of perceived community support has been cited by local law enforcement staff as a major contributor to lagging morale, resignations and departures for other jurisdictions. The ACCPD is currently roughly 60 officers below full operating and budgeted strength.
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Law Enforcement Budgets Returning - First Responder Bonuses on the Way
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As we have shared here previously, across the nation, budget cuts, considered or made, such as a $1-billion reduction in public safety spending by New York City, are being restored in part in response to record surges in violent crime. The City of Atlanta has experienced a 50 percent increase in homicides and a 30% increase in every category of violent crime, setting all time records for increases in crime in most every area of the city. And as criminals don't much pay attention to jurisdictional borders, that crime wave has been spreading. Athens is no exception.
Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp (an Athens resident), and Georgia House Speaker David Ralston (District 7, Blue Ridge, GA) recently announced $100-million in one-time $1000.00 pandemic performance bonuses for all 80,000 of Georgia police, sheriff deputies, corrections officers, firefighters and first responders. Athens Mayor and Commission recently raised starting police officer compensation in Athens to more than $47,000.00, along with a $3000.00 new hire bonus. Adding the pandemic performance bonus, new hire pay, following graduation from Police Academy and certification by P.O.S.T. will exceed $50,000.00 per officer, and hopefully assist in closing the gaps and rehiring a fully authorized and staff police department for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. These bonus grants will only require a brief application by local municipal and county governments, are being funded by the American Rescue Act and Cares Act and do not require action by the Georgia General Assembly.
These grants should be in the hands and bank accounts of Georgia's hardworking and dedicated first responders well in time for the holiday season.
https://www.ajc.com/politics/gov-kemp-ralston-announce-1000-bonuses-for-law-enforcement-other-first-responders/C2EGE6GEONGTTJFDAMFVLFUWJA/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_2937083
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Athens Classic, Inc. Planning Calendar
Monday, October 18 @ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Dogwood & Azalea Rooms, Second Floor
Monday, November 15 - Coffee with Cops, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Young Harris Church, 973 Prince Avenue, Athens - Program Speaker - ACCPD Deputy Chief Keith Kelley on Community Policing
Monday, November 15 - Athens Clean & Safe PAC Launch, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Athens City Hall, 301 College Avenue, City Hall steps
Monday, November 15 - Athens Classic, Inc. Board Meeting via Zoom, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Monday, December 20 - Athens Clean & Safe PAC Fundraising Kickoff, location TBA
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News You Can Use
News reports, opinion columns and facts you can use, in support of our first responders, quality public education and improved public health.
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Athens Classic Donors Match $5000 Challenge Grant, Please Consider Making a Gift
Athens Classic, Inc. is a small, private, nonpartisan community nonprofit, founded in July of 2020. All of our events and programs our staffed and peopled by local Athens area volunteers. Though a short list of Athens area business leaders and generous donors from Bulldog Nation have made possible most of our efforts and funding to date, that base is broadening. Two recent Athens Classic meeting attendees, who have asked to remain anonymous, issued a $5000 challenge grant, for a limited time, to match all other gifts to Athens Classic, Inc., up to $5000.00. You can contribute to Athens Classic via check mailed to P.O. Box 225, Athens, Georgia 30603, or via PayPal direct giving link to -
And for those who prefer banking and payments by phone, here is our Athens Classic QR code.
Mail a donation to - Athens Classic, Inc., P.O. Box 225, Athens, GA 30303
You may set up a one-time or monthly recurring gift. For our efforts to be successful, the greater Athens community will need to come onboard. Please consider making a modest gift today, which will be matched and doubled, and no gift is too small.
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We do not share or sell our membership and subscriber lists to anyone.
We welcome your thoughts, volunteers and ideas/programs for us to support.
Athens Classic, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community organization focused on public safety, public education and public health. We want to keep the Classic City, classic and for Athens/Clarke County to be clean and safe for everyone.
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