Columbia County District 1: The Neglect of Only One Commissioner?
August 30, 2024 11:am | 3 min read
Map: SOE, Commissioner Ron Williams official photo | Columbia
County Observer graphic
By
Janet Horton
We presume County Commissioners work for the betterment of the County and the district they represent. We expect, or at least I do, a district to represent the ethics, lifestyle, integrity, honesty, professionalism, and pride of the district commissioner. We as citizens take a lot for granted and, unfortunately, even become complacent. Do yourself a favor, drive around your district from time to time with an open mind, and see with your own eyes the good, the bad, and the ugly.
20+ years ago, I moved into Columbia County and District 1 with no regrets. It is the largest County district and has densely populated areas in Lake City. District 1 has also proven to be the least likely district to attract new businesses. It is a mixture of old, new, residential, and commercial. The area attracts little attention and almost no recognition. It is shabbier than chic, and the weeds recognize no boundaries.
An area close to downtown, bordered by Baya, Hwy 100, Washington, and Montrose, is a good representation of District 1. It is dangerous and shabby, cluttered, and, in a lot of places, downright trashy.
Property zoned as residential boldly advertise their commercial business. Street lighting and sidewalks are almost nonexistent. Roads are in poor condition. Lots are so overgrown you have to struggle to see any dwelling and might need a machete for access. Dogs and chickens run loose. Warning signs and paint at speed bumps may be missing, and there is a short supply of speed limit signs. The two-lane streets in some places are so cluttered it isn’t safe or practical to call the streets.
Tree branches hang low over the streets. Vegetation has claimed the right of way, spreading over street surfaces, and blocking intersection access and visibility. Fences, abandoned vehicles, garbage, tires, clutter, and rubbish block roads and the right of way.
Crime of all types is a problem because there is little or no law enforcement presence. There is no place for families, young people, or children to play or gather safely.
People are living in campers, sheds, shacks, what looks like dollhouses, propped-up dwellings, boarded-up buildings, overgrown weed-covered buildings, tents, and under tarps.
Parked in the lots, on streets, and within the right of ways, you will find untagged and tagged and junked vehicles, service school buses, 18-wheeler trucks with and without cabs, and every imaginable type of commercial and construction equipment known, as well as campers and motor homes.
You can find all those conditions just by driving down Montrose Avenue, which is only a few blocks long.
Renovations and major makeovers are always in progress, but no building or construction permit signs are posted. On Jacksonville Loop, you will find a major inside and outside renovation in progress without a permit; there is a new campground being set up without sanitation, electricity, a permit, or zoning, and there is a vacant lot that has been cleared and marked off for new construction, without a visible permit. There is one power pole leaning at least 25% that carries the main transformer for the area.
This area has not changed or improved since I moved to Columbia County. I doubt it has ever seen a District Commissioner or that the current one even knows where it is located. It has long been forgotten, overlooked, and neglected by its long-standing commissioner. District 1 is home to a great many people who have proven to be tolerant and durable. If the standard and quality of life and conditions in District 1 represent its elected County Commissioner, Ron Williams, then we deserve better!
If District 1 represents how well the County does its job, then the citizens of Columbia County have very low expectations. I do not want to believe that, but all appearances indicate the citizens of District 1 do not matter, and the County has lost focus on who and what should be the priority. How could all the commissioners accept and condone the neglect of one commissioner?
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Janet Horton is a 20 plus year resident of Columbia County's District 1