Newspaper Page Text
Page 2— Wednesday, June 2, 2021, The True Citizen
Property owners could be hit with “most ugly tax”
SHELLIE SMITLEY
thetruecitizen.shellie@gmail.com
Property owners who allow
their buildings to fall into dis
repair could pay higher taxes
in the future.
The Historic Preservation
Commission is working with
the city to address dilapidated
buildings. Don Lively and As
sistant City Manager Trinetta
Skinner are researching ordi
nances from cities like States
boro and Cornelia that address
the issue of abandoned, unused
or dilapidated buildings.
“We want to have a similar
ordinance here,” Don Lively
said during the May 25 meet
ing. “Everybody that deals
with blight is going to be look
ing at it.”
The HPC and the city are
examining the prospect of tax
ing property owners at a higher
rate than normal if the owners
are not repairing or attempting
to sell or market the properties.
Bill Tinley suggested during
the Downtown Development
Authority meeting May 26
that the higher taxes might be
applied to the millage rate, cur
rently set at 11 mills.
Jesse Palmer III jokingly
referred to the measure as “the
most ugly tax.”
Revenues from the higher
taxes would go directly toward
community redevelopment.
A blight tax ordinance is not
an uncommon theme. Augusta
officials are currently looking
at a proposed blight ordinance
in which taxes would increase
seven times if the owner does
not bring the building into
compliance after being des
ignated as blighted property,
according to WJBF.com
Lively said a blight tax ordi
nance is needed in Waynesboro
and specifically pointed out an
“iconic” building on 7th St.
that has fallen into bad repair.
“It’s a beautiful building if
you have ever been inside of
it. It’s got this ornate staircase,
and it’s just gorgeous but it’s
falling apart,” Lively said.
Owners of another property
located on N. Liberty Street,
are going to be renovating with
the hopes of housing a law of
fice in the future. Currently, the
backend of the house is caved
in, Lively said. The contractor
has applied for a permit.
The DDA mentioned the
most critical properties need
ing rehabilitation as; 715 North
Liberty, owned by Judge Carl
Brown, the Emporium building
and 701 North Liberty. The
owners of the latter address
have not been contacted, ac
cording to Lively. Lindsai Gen
try suggested that a 720-square
foot wrap-around building at
103 6th Street should be added
to the list. She said weeds that
stand taller than she does can
be seen growing in the build
ing. The DDA suggested con
tacting the owner to see if the
property could be donated and
turned into a green space.
In other news, The HPC
named Robin Schweitzer as
chairman and Tommy Powell
as co-chair during the meet
ing May 25. The HPC and the
DDA meet again separately
June 22.
Don Lively said a blight tax ordinance is needed in Waynesboro to address dilapidated
buildings. This building owned by Judge Carl Brown is on the Downtown Development
Authority’s critical list.
Cash needed for Mad
Anthony’s Big Boom
DIANA ROYAL • jdianaroyal@gmail.com
It’s even easier to give now!
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is now
accepting donations for Mad Anthony’s Big Boom Fire
works Extravaganza via Venmo. The free mobile applica
tion allows contributors to send funds directly from their
cell phone or other wireless device to ("Waynesborol'’ire-
works . Simply download the application from the app store
and follow instructions for set up.
“We wanted to make the process as convenient as pos
sible,” said DDA Director Don Lively. “We appreciate all
donations, big and small. Please keep them coming.”
During the past week, another $450 rolled in for the
fireworks show, which is sponsored by the DDA and
funded solely through donations from the community. This
year, due to scheduling conflicts with the pyrotechnics
company, the show has been led to Friday, July 2. “The
show will go on and will lead off the Independence Day
weekend,” Lively said, apologizing for any inconveniences.
Mad Anthony’s will be held at Jonathan Broxton Park in
Waynesboro.
WANT TO HELP?
To make a donation, send checks to the City of Waynesboro/
DDA c/o Don Lively 615 N. Liberty St. Waynesboro, GA
30830. For more information call 706.554.8018 or email
dlively@waynesboroga.com.
THIS WEEK’S DONATIONS:
Georgia Power, $100
Planters EMC, $100
Deana Keefer, $100
Tommy Powell/Capital Furniture, $100
Nancy and Ralph Lynn, $50
TOTAL $450
TOTAL TO DATE: $6,283
GOAL: $10,000
NEEDED: $3,717
Let’s take a stand against
COVID-19
Great news city of Waynesboro and all
surrounding areas! The Pfzier COVID-19 vaccine
has now been approved by the FDA for use in
ages 12-15. Parents, let’s make sure your
child/children have protection while at school,
during extracurricular activities and while
hanging out with family and friends.
We want to provide everyone in our community
including our youth an opportunity to be
vaccinated. We will vaccinate both established
and non established patients.
We will also vaccinate children aged 12-17 both
with and without medical coverage. Contact our
office today to schedule an appointment during
the week or during our Saturday Clinic for your
child/children to get vaccinated against the
COVID-19 virus.
4-
Medical
Specialists, Inc,
A Rural Healthcare Network
305 Jones Ave. ■ Waynesboro ■ 706-554-5147