Augusta commission puts Redwood properties on probation, schedules hearing after residents cite gunfire and poor conditions

The Augusta City Commission voted to schedule a public hearing within 30 days and place Redwood, owner of the Bon Air Apartments and Richmond Summit properties, on probation after extended public comment about security, building conditions and repeated gunfire.

The move followed testimony from tenants and nearby residents describing frequent gunfire, lingering odors and nonworking elevators, and a presentation from company representative Bob Duke describing ongoing capital work and plans for security and mechanical system upgrades. "We do have them there 24/7," Duke said in response to questions about on-site security.

Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice said the conditions around the properties were unacceptable and moved to place Redwood on probation and direct the administrator to set a hearing not later than 30 days from the meeting. "If it were up to me today, personally, I'd revoke your license," Rice said during the discussion. The motion was seconded; the commission voted to proceed and later noted a November deadline mentioned by the company as the target for substantial completion of promised improvements.

Residents and neighbors provided specific examples to commissioners. Frank Dolan, whose property backs up to the Bon Air lot, said he had recorded repeated shots near the building and described what he called ongoing safety problems. "Every single week this goes off," Dolan told the commission.

Duke told commissioners the firm has invested in major capital work and said phase 1 upgrades totaled about $6.8 million; he said phase 2 is funded and scheduled for completion in the fall and that perimeter fencing, access-control gates and additional monitoring are planned. He acknowledged the company must improve enforcement of lease rules and said evictions had been pursued for several problem tenants.

Attorney guidance during the meeting clarified the vote will start a formal notice-and-hearing process; the hearing will allow the company to present evidence and respond before the commission determines whether to lift probation or pursue license revocation. City staff were asked to provide information on code and safety inspections, and legal counsel agreed to provide additional detail on the consequences for residents should a license be revoked.

The commission included both properties in the action. Commissioners emphasized public safety and asked staff to coordinate code enforcement, the fire department and sheriff's office inspections and to provide a report at the hearing. The record shows the motion to initiate probation and a hearing was carried by the commission.