Comments (0) | |

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

Removal of benches in front of Dempsey sparks protest

About 40 people, including several Macon politicians, gathered outside the downtown Dempsey Apartments late Friday afternoon to protest the removal of two park benches in front of the high-rise.

The protest, organized by 1280 AM WIBB “Macon Talks” radio hosts Anita Ponder and Todd Haygood, aimed to send a message to the city to replace two benches that were removed a few months ago by the city at the request of the Dempsey’s management. The Dempsey, a luxury hotel decades ago, is now home to elderly and disabled residents.

“For whatever reason, the benches were removed,” said Ponder, a former Macon City Council president. “The Dempsey residents have a right to enjoy their front porch. It’s important that (the city) doesn’t send a message of exclusiveness.”

George Hill, a five-year Dempsey resident, said he has spoken with city leaders about returning the benches. He said they are important for elderly and disabled residents who are waiting for transportation.

“The benches provide a seat for someone, so they can sit back and wait for their transport to arrive,” said Hill, a retired social worker. “I think management requested the city to remove the benches. I hope we get them back.”

The issue, however, is far from clear-cut. Several residents said they are happy to see the benches gone, because they were more often occupied by the homeless or the criminal element than they were by people who lived in the building.

“I’m glad they’re gone,” said Frankie Downs, an eight-year resident. “When they were here, you’d have two or three drug dealers there all the time. They were cussing, filthy.”

She said the people who often used the benches gave the Dempsey residents a bad public perception.

“It was a small group that’s making trouble for everyone else,” she said. “Everybody is talking about us like we’re a bunch of idiots. It’s not true. There’s a bunch of good people who live here.”

Spencer Tarver, a seven-year resident and a concierge at the Dempsey, agreed.

“You had a bunch of panhandlers in front of Acapulco,” a Mexican restaurant on the building’s first floor, Tarver said. “You had a bunch of drug dealers and drunks who stayed on (the benches) all day long. ... I’m most glad to see them go.”

Ponder said if there’s a criminal element using the benches, it should be a police matter dealt with by an increased presence of officers on Cherry Street.

Andrew Blascovich, the spokesman for Mayor Robert Reichert, said the city has no current plans to put the benches back.

“The benches were removed at the request of the Dempsey management, who felt it was in the best interest of their residents, and the image (the Dempsey) is trying to portray,” he said. “At this time, we’re standing by our decision. It seems to have alleviated the problems the Dempsey was experiencing.”

Several political figures, including state Rep. David Lucas, D-Macon, and City Council members Tom Ellington, Elaine Lucas and Rick Hutto, attended Friday’s protest, along with former councilman Henry Ficklin.

Ellington, whose ward includes the downtown area, listened to residents on both sides of the issue.

“I think it makes sense to bring the benches back,” he said.

To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.