Mayor-elect Garnett Johnson got “real” with realtors from the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors—and they responded with some good questions.
Johnson, born in East Augusta, asked the group with 2,000 members to recommend Richmond County along with Columbia County.
Realtors asked for updates on what they consider obstacles to those recommendations.
The following are some questions from the capacity crowd of more than 200 professionals. They’ve been edited for clarity and length.
Realtor: What about the safety aspect of going to downtown Augusta?
GJ: We need to improve the quality of lighting. I really think it’s safe to go to our great restaurants like Edgar’s Above Broad and take in a play. I have the confidence to go downtown with my wife.
Most of the crime happens after 1 or 2 in the morning when the bars let out. It’s kind of enter at your own risk then.
Realtor: What’s being done to improve education? It’s hard to sell the schools in Richmond County.
GJ: There’s not been much of a relationship between the City of Augusta and the Board of Education. I brought the President and Assistant President of the Board today. We’re working together on reading programs to help the kids at an early age. We’ve got to get the parents onboard.
Remember, we have some of the best schools in Richmond County in the State. Our magnet schools are world-class, and so are our private schools.
Realtor: What are the plans to re-develop Regency Mall?
GJ: It’s sad not to see the mall knocked down and re-developed. My (mayoral) competitor (Steven Kendrick) has a plan, but I don’t know if it will come to fruition. My plan is to address the overall corridor there with affordable housing, create jobs and do a public-private deal to keep the property in local hands.
Realtor: What’s the chance we’ll have a grocery store in the 30901 zip code/downtown Augusta?
GJ: I think we will get a downtown developer to build one. District 1 is changing because of Cyber and 1200-1500 nice apartments built. Downtown density is coming and yes, I can see a downtown grocery store moving in…In the future.
Mayor-elect Johnson says he’s looking for overall confidence in the Augusta community by residents and promises growth, action, and results.
He also wants to be more fiscally responsible. He’s heard some County officials believe the government is too “top-heavy”. An operational review is underway.
He says he’ll remain on the Georgia Economic Development Board and will continue to push for new companies and growth in the film industry.
