Following the one year anniversary of 9-year-old Nigel brown's tragic death, the issue of gun violence within the Albany community has become a topic of discussion.
With a number of opinions being shared, some say the lack of collaboration between city government and the community will continue leading Albany down a dark path
"It’s important for even our leaders in this community. They’ve stopped talking about it and they need to do something. They need to do something to stop the level of gun violence that we have, "said Sherrell Byrd.
Byrd is just one of the community voices begging for a change in Albany.
A change that would promote more safety and less crime.
"We need to call in reinforcements. I truly believe that
Byrd attributes some of these issues to elected city officials. Referencing a time she remembers an opportunity where change could be made possible
"Albany saw a major uptick in violence during the pandemic. And
The money being referenced is American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds that were allocated back in 2021.
During a controversial special called meeting back in June 2021, city leaders allocated the $22 million dollars to be used for sewer infrastructure improvements around the city.
"We've had localized flooding in areas for generations and that will be corrected with this project,” said Mayor Bo Dorough during the June 2021 meeting.
That decision created up-roar among some of the community. Many asking that a portion of the funds be used to revitalize the community and support safety.
But city leaders say that sewage project was necessary.
"That’s sustainability. That creates an environment where we can recruit new entities. New jobs. New employers. Commercials growth. Residential growth. That is a huge necessity for any city,” said Commissioner Chad Warbington, Ward 4.
Others feel the funds didn't serve immediate issues present within the city.
“Money from the American Rescue Plan is right now money. It’s money we have in the bank. It’s money that’s here so we have that money and we can get started on this right now situation of gangs. This right now situation of poverty and health concerns,” said Commissioner Demetrius Young, Ward 6.
Commissioner Young says the board has entertained the idea of using $10 million of the recently received ARP funds to go towards community safety projects.
But that decision has not been made official or placed on any public agenda.
Fox 31 did reach out to the Mayor along with other commissioners for comment. We received no response.