After a recent visit to Washington, D.C. with the National Conference of Black Mayors, Mayor Antonio Blue is discussing the possibility of grant funding for police protection with various contacts from the organization. Blue is also exploring grant options for a multi-purpose community center, but safety is a primary concern.
“I’m in the process of trying to get help — whether it means we need our own police department or we need to pay for protection,” he said.
“While I was in Washington, I spoke to the Attorney General about the needs of our town. The money is out there. It’s in the stimulus package. And I’m addressing the issue as fast as I can.”
Two residents added depth to Blue’s remarks later on in the meeting.
After reminding attendants of a recent murder near town hall, Tommy White listed several alarming situations he claims to have witnessed in the area.
“There was a guy the other day shooting on the other side of Town Hall - I’m surprised you guys didn’t hear it,” said White. “He said (it was) ‘gun practice.’ I don’t expect miracles, but if we don’t calm this down somebody innocent is going to get hurt.”
According to White, illegal drugs and guns are on the rise in Dobbins Heights.
Robert McRae, owner of Rob’s Lounge and Grill on Earl Franklin Drive, laid blame on Richmond County Sheriff Dale Furr — citing a lack of adequate law enforcement protection.
“We used to have a sheriff that sent patrols through here,” said McRae. “When they’re trying to shut down my business, plenty of them come out here. You can see them all night by my place with the blue lights.”
McRae then went into detail on one particular incident.
“I called and told them that a man was walking around outside my business with a gun, and they took 28 minutes to respond. When I called the second time to ask where they were, they told me ‘Well, they’re in Rockingham.’ Now you tell me, how long does it take to get here from Rockingham? How is that fair? I pay taxes to Richmond County, and what do I get? Absolutely nothing.
“Now they’ll put this in the paper, that I said this, and they’ll put road blocks up by my place all night.”
According to Furr, McRae is manipulating the facts.
“Several times we have set up roadblocks in Dobbins Heights there on Earl Franklin Road, and Robert McRae has complained because he says it hurts his business,” said Furr. “Either he wants us over there or he doesn’t. He can’t have it both ways.”
The sheriff said his department works hard to provide equal service to all citizens.
“We give Dobbins Heights the same protection that we give anybody else,” he said. “I do the best I can give the manpower I’ve got and what the county allows me to do.”
In response to Mayor Blue’s search to find funding for police protection, Furr said he would be happy to work with the town if they decide to look at paying for more permanent service.
Furr was unable to confirm McRae’s account of the departments 28-minute response time on Friday without a specific date and time.
“But it doesn’t take us 28 minutes to respond to calls,” he said.
McRae urged the council to take the matter to the next level.
“We need police up here; we need to put pressure on the county to get them up here,” he said. “There are more and more drug dealers all the time, and nobody’s trying to stop them.”
Mayor Pro Tem Gracie Jackson suggested the council follow up on the citizens’ complaints.
“We can call and make an appointment to meet with the county commissioners,” she said. “It’s a start.”
According to Blue, 75 percent of the town’s new sewer system will be installed by the month of June; grant funds for the remaining 25 percent are being pursued.
A walk-through inspection of the new addition to town hall was completed on Wednesday. If all goes well and the project is released, Blue said the building should be ready for occupancy this month.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt is set to take place Monday, and will begin at New Bethel Church. Children will be escorted by age group to the park where they will hunt for eggs, have refreshments, and receive tickets for various raffled prizes - mostly school supplies. To fund the event, the town is currently selling tickets for a basket filled with easter-themed gifts that will be raffled on Monday - and contributions are welcomed.
According to Jackson, an official dedication of the new building will be held during the town’s 25th anniversary celebration, now scheduled for the fourth weekend in July. Jackson encouraged new involvement on the anniversary planning committee, which will hold its next meeting on April 20.
“We welcome anyone who would like to work with us, especially people who have been around a long time,” said Jackson, adding that there will be a wide range of opportunities for participation available. Weekend events include a banquet setting on Friday, a day of activities in the park on Saturday, and an assembly with guest speakers on Sunday. Advertisement space in a commemorative booklet will be available for purchase - and money will go toward funding the event.
“Someone may want to come cook and sell food,” said Jackson. “Or someone might want to sing, read a poem, or just come testify as to what it’s been like over the years here in Dobbins Heights.”
According to Blue, the town may receive new signs from the Gift to the City Program - free of charge - in time for anniversary weekend.
A decree from Blue proclaimed the week of May 3 - 9 as Municipal Clerk Week, honoring long-time town clerk Mary Magee.
In her report on town streets, Jackson said the potholes and muddy patches seen along some roads in the area will be addressed when the heavy machinery being used for the sewer project is no longer traveling about town. She also congratulated those citizens who came out for a recent litter clean-up.
“I want to thank those dedicated people for helping us to keep things picked up and letting people know that we are interested in how our city looks,” said Jackson.
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