This is Viewpoints for Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

Project still unacceptable

The proposed shopping center that would run adjacent to the Stone Edge subdivision is not in the best interest of the current residents. A similar proposal was made to the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission and was deemed unacceptable. Yes, I do realize this new proposal would include lofts and specialty shops, a more community-friendly area, however, it is still unacceptable. Sonny Carter Elementary and Northway Church provide a good buffer between residential and commercial properties in this area.

The islands and medians on and around Zebulon are in a state of neglect. My observation is if we are not attending to the areas we already have, what would make us believe that more traffic would do anything but worsen in these areas? Also, there are several businesses that are vacant between the Goodwill and Johnny's Pizza. This is an excellent location, already established and the perfect size for specialty shops. I would challenge my neighbors in this area of town to look around at the vacancies we already have and to express their displeasure over this proposed project.

— Tina Bowker

Macon

Feeling rushed

On Oct. 3, my wife and I received a letter from Robins Federal Credit Union notifying us of, and requesting a yes vote, on RFCU being converted to a state chartered credit union instead of a federal chartered credit union. The letter also set a date of Oct. 22 as the due date for our ballots. While we don't have any deeply held opposition to this proposed conversion, we do have some questions we feel should be addressed. They are as follows:

1. Why the rush for a vote? Three weeks to study this conversion resembles Nancy Pelosi's "vote before reading" call for a vote on Obamacare.

2. Who profits from this conversion? The advantages of conversion listed in the letter appear to be related to RFCU growth into new counties, and allowing for competition with other financial institutions but does not list any new advantages for current members. By the way, what counties in Georgia are currently out of bounds, or off limits, to RFCU establishing branch locations?

3. Will a state charter allow the Georgia Legislature any influence on the structure, or operation of RFCU that it does not have under a federal charter?

4. There are several costs listed for the proposed conversion such as up to $100,000 annually in new sales tax fees. At the Georgia sales tax rate of 7 percent that means an annual expenditure of up to $1.4 million. What are we buying that costs that much every year? Also, an expenditure of $77,000 annually is listed for services provided to non-members. Who are the non-members, and what services are being furnished them?

I know and respect most of the RFCU board of directors, and am not implying any wrongdoing, but do feel a bit rushed to endorse a perhaps ill-fated action.

— Don Duncan

Kathleen

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 10:35 PM.