Local Leaders React To Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting

Local Leaders React To Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting (Added: December 18, 2008)

Controversy continues in the Cherry Tree Crossing neighborhood. Now, city officials speak out about the violence. WJBF News Channel 6?s Barclay Bishop has more. (more)

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Local Leaders React To Cherry Tree Crossing Shooting

Controversy continues in the Cherry Tree Crossing neighborhood. Now, city officials speak out about the violence. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has more.

By: Barclay Bishop | WJBF News Channel 6
Published: December 18, 2008

Augusta, GA -- People at Cherry Tree Crossing, say their civil rights activists, like the SCLC and the NAACP waited too long to respond to their concerns. But they're still waiting to hear first hand from the Mayor. Wednesday, we stopped by his office and gave him a chance to respond to the criticism.

Yusuf Shahid, Cherry Tree Crossing: “Why wasn't they here from day one? Why wait until now? Because of media coverage?"

This was reaction from come Cherry Tree Crossing neighbors over the response time of the SCLC and NAACP. Now, they say they're waiting for someone else.

Shahid: “Where's the Mayor at? He was out here campaigning.”

Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Augusta: “I don't have a problem going down there, and listening to the people. I've walked those neighborhoods while I was campaigning, I've picked up trash in those neighborhoods, so no, I don't have a problem going down there.”

Mayor Copenhaver says he's concerned over what he's seen the past few days, and intends to address the situation when plans for an organized meeting are finalized.

Mayor Copenhaver: “I understand that these neighborhoods need help, but I'll just tell you, violence begets more violence, and we are in this situation really looking to help everybody, but there needs to be a sense of calm."

Commissioner Corey Johnson represents the Cherry Tree Crossing area and agrees that time is what they need, right now. He says that will allow him to assess what happened Sunday night, and what steps they need to take to move forward.

Corey Johnson, Augusta Commissioner: “We want to make sure we get them with a clear mind. I think that if we can get that then we can get a better understanding of what happened. But right now, you've got to let the GBI do their investigation and see what comes of that.”

The Mayor says safety in the area is his number one priority.That's why he says he committed $37.5 million redeveloping the historic inner-city neighborhoods.

State Representative Wayne Howard was also in the neighborhood, Wednesday, talking with community members, as well as the suspect’s family.