Residents urge Newton County to prioritize parks in District 3, voice concerns about proposed gas station and road safety

Several Newton County residents used the Jan. 6 public-comment period to press the Board of Commissioners for greater park and recreation investment in District 3 and to raise local safety concerns.

Elena Sanders, speaking for District 3 residents, said she has not seen outreach or meetings about planned projects in her district and urged the board and the interim district commissioner to meet constituents ahead of site decisions. "We have not heard anything in regards to District 3," she told the board, urging a Jan. 15 meeting with residents. Sanders also said she had been told funding or projects might be directed to an outside organization rather than to district needs; she asked the county to confirm plans with District 3 residents.

Annette Austin and other commenters echoed calls for a community center on the west side of the county, noting new housing and population growth that will increase demand for youth services. Another commenter raised a traffic-safety concern on Highway 162, said a tractor-trailer recently overturned near his driveway and asked the board to seek guardrails and speed-limit changes.

Commissioners responded that staff were looking for park land and that at least one commissioner planned a town hall to address constituent concerns. The board did not take any formal action during the meeting on the District 3 requests; staff follow-up and community meetings were discussed.