Augusta neighborhood meeting focuses on community, crime prevention

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Citizens in Augusta’s District 3 gathered Tuesday night for their neighborhood meeting, welcoming Mayor Garnett Johnson and Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

The meeting was held at the Knights of Columbus building on Monte Sano Avenue, hosted by the Peachtree to Glenn Neighborhood Association.

While rooted in District 3, the topics raised carried weight for all.

Johnson said he wanted to listen directly to neighbors’ concerns.

“I’m here to just support the community, to answer questions they had,” Johnson said.

Neighbors asked about everything from taxes to the city’s new garbage collection service, the Charter Review Committee and crime prevention.

Their association was founded to prevent crime, and for Ann Marie McManus, crime is more than just a statistic.

“My family had a home invasion, and some men, 17 to 19 years old, came into our house. It was quite traumatic,” McManus said.

To address safety, neighbors pay dues to fund an off-duty deputy who patrols the streets. McManus said it’s been effective.

“When something does happen, patrolling officers know where to look. They know what they’re looking for, and they can help keep us safe,” she said.

While Augusta has seen several shootings in recent weeks, neighbors say community policing and looking out for one another make all the difference.

“It has to be neighbor to neighbor. Very personal in your neighborhood. You know the traffic,” McManus said.

This group is making important steps to keep their neighborhood safe.

“Augusta is a very special, caring place. There’s no reason why we should allow a criminal element to make us concerned about where we are,” she said.

Brantley also noted that overall crime numbers are down compared to this time last year.

The proactive measures taken by this neighborhood show the importance of looking out for your own community.

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