Macon-Bibb Commission 02/06/24

After a 45-minute executive session, the Macon-Bibb County Commission agreed to spend $2.4 million from the general fund on preserving public spaces downtown and in north Macon. The Commission approved up to $950,000 to purchase and pay closing costs on nearly 10 acres that were previously slated for a private development of 30 cluster homes at 4687 Rivoli Drive. They also set aside $1.5 million for long-anticipated improvements to Rosa Parks Square across from City Hall. The Commission accepted more than $160,000 in Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grants under the Violence Against Women Act to combat domestic violence and assist victims through the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office and the Solicitor General's Office. The county will add matching funds of more than $53,000 to secure those grants. During public comments, the parents of Gabriella Dixon appealed to the mayor and commissioners for help in locating their daughter, who has been missing since Oct. 30. Dixon's father said they are not getting information from authorities about the case. Coronavirus Emergency Solutions grants totaling more than $135,000 were dispersed to the Brookdale Resource Center and Salvation Army, which was also awarded about $58,000 in a Community Development Block Grant that was originally tabled once commissioners learned the shelter was no longer taking in single adults who were not veterans. Since then, the organization has reversed that policy. Action on other agenda items is included in this meeting synopsis captured in social media posts.