Augusta Olde Town residents raise concerns over tree removal

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Residents of Olde Town and East Augusta expressed concerns about a major construction project in the city center.

To do this, several sidewalks will be removed and many trees along Telfair Street will be cut down, including a Crepe Myrtle that is being called a state champion because of its size and age.

Nearly 150 people attended a public meeting on Monday evening.

“…and landscaping is trees, it’s the plantings, but it’s also the hardscape. You incorporate that into the streetscape,” said Erick Montgomery, the executive director of Historic Augusta.

Julie lives in Olde Town, “So when we see these restorations or improvements in the city center, it’s disappointing. As a resident who has had to follow certain guidelines to live there, I don’t see any indication that the city is adhering to the same guidelines that I am as a resident.”

Cassandra, another East Augusta resident, voiced her concerns: “I can walk from my house to Old Town. But I don’t want to do that in 110 degrees. Right? And we’re talking about improving the city, we’re talking about walkability scores. You can’t walk from East Boundary to downtown when it’s 110 degrees with no shade.”

City leaders will bring all questions and concerns to the next commission meeting on July 30. Commissioner Jordan Johnson says there will be more public meetings to follow.