Has new Richmond County sheriff made downtown Augusta feel safer?
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We are nearly 60 days into Sheriff Eugene Brantley’s new istration in the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
But how are people feeling about the changes after a decade under former Sheriff Richard Roundtree?
We checked in with Augustans to see how they feel and if Brantley is making good on his campaign promises so far.
Making downtown safer is one of the many goals Brantley has since taking office two months ago.
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“I have noticed probably within the last year that there has been an increase in foot traffic downtown, especially at night,” said Joshua Overton, general manager at Laziza.
There’s an increase in people, and now patrols, especially at night in downtown Augusta.
“We definitely see more officers downtown walking around, checking in on us. We’re able to see more officers. So, if something is going on, we’re able to see somebody a lot quicker. And there’s just better patrol downtown,” said Breannah Newton, director of operations for Frog Hollow Group.
Downtown businesses want to bring customers ease.
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Overton said: “I feel like we have noticed a bit of an increase in foot traffic at night due to the increase in patrols. I feel like people are seeing that there is protection out on the roads.”
Even though local businesses say they don’t necessarily feel unsafe, they want their customers to feel protected when coming downtown.
Newton said: “Downtown is safe, you know. There’s gonna be bad things that happen everywhere. But we feel like overall downtown is a safe place to be.”
They say they’re hoping it leads to more people and new businesses downtown.
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“I definitely think it puts locals, and people who are wanting to hang out downtown, at ease that they’re seeing the presence. But I think it’s good for all of us. I mean, we’re looking forward to the future and his involvement with downtown and how we can make it a fun or safer place for all of us,” said Newton.
Coming up in downtown Augusta, Downtown Soul City is hosting its second annual Downtown Get Down.
The fundraising party for the nonprofit is at the Savannah River Brewing Company from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
There will be a presentation as well to highlight how Downtown Soul City has helped businesses and the community.
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