3 months ago
Some downtown Macon residents and community activists say they're upset about the removal of two benches from Cherry Street.
Dempsey resident Bubber Green says that until this fall, two benches sat on the sidewalk in front of his building. Now, he says he and others who live there, many of whom are elderly and disabled, have no where to go.
"We came out here one day and everyone was surprised the benches were gone," Green said.
Former City Council member Anita Ponder helped plan a protest, scheduled for Friday, to get the benches back. She says she got involved when folks called into her radio show saying the benches were gone.
"When you walk up and down Cherry Street there are benches everywhere," Ponder said. "Why in the world and what kind of message are you sending when you remove the ones in front of the Dempsey apartments."
Mayor Robert Reichert says the benches were moved to 3rd Street Park to allieviate congestion on the sidewalk. Council member Nancy White says Dempsey management asked for the move. We called and visited Dempsey Friday, they had no comment.
Green says he thinks others are causing problems there, but people in the Dempsey are paying the price. He says he just wants to see the benches returned.
