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Residents press commission for district seats, sidewalks and limits on liquor and vape shops
Summary
Multiple residents urged the commission to adopt district seats to improve representation, requested sidewalks and flashing school‑zone lights near Bonaire schools, and urged stricter location controls on liquor and vape stores after hearing about a proliferation of such businesses near schools and neighborhoods.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents addressed representation, pedestrian safety and retail concentration in Houston County.
Dr. Jackson, who identified himself as an advocate for justice and equality, urged the commission to adopt district seats rather than at‑large seats, arguing district representation would ensure more inclusive and equitable representation for neighborhoods and minority communities. "I ask you, the members of this commission, to adopt the district system," Dr. Jackson said, noting that African Americans now make up "over 30%" of the county population and that district seats would ensure each part of the county has direct representation.
Coy, a Bonaire resident who identified himself as a runner and parent, asked the county to add a missing sidewalk on Thompson Mill Road adjacent to Bonaire Primary and suggested solar‑powered wig‑wag flashing lights to clarify when school zones are active. He described a 200‑foot gap with no shoulder that forces pedestrians and children into unsafe conditions.
Tony Loudon and Thomas Reynolds criticized the proliferation of liquor and vape outlets and urged planning and zoning officials to consider long‑term community impacts. Loudon said he has seen similar retail patterns in distressed communities nationally and expressed concern about proximity of such stores to schools. Reynolds suggested the county explore a senior tax exemption similar to Gwinnett County's "L5A" and urged voters to consider representation options carefully; he also said the issue of at‑large versus district seats is currently in the courts.
Commissioners listened and thanked speakers; several commissioners said they appreciated the public participation and would consider the views expressed as staff and the commission revisit relevant policies and ordinances.
