Councilman Jackson leaves 10-year legacy

Councilman William Jackson was honored for 10 years of service at what would be his last meeting as a city councilman.

Though it was not an agenda item, Mayor Randall Walker surprised Jackson Tuesday with a plaque honoring him for his years of service and dedication. It read, “William Jackson, in appreciation of outstanding service to the city of Perry, Georgia. Jan. 1, 2010-Dec. 31 2019.”

In August, Jackson announced he would not seek re-election for his Post 2 District 2 seat. In January, Councilwoman elect Joy Peterson will continue in his place.

“We cannot thank him enough for his service that he has given,” said Walker. “He has worked very, very hard. In addition to being a great member, you’re a great friend.”

Jackson thanked the council for his gift and expressed pride in the accomplishments he took part in and witnessed over the years. He noted the growth in the city and downtown as something he would always cherish. “There’s been challenges, there will be in anything you endeavor to do, but by and large, it’s been great.”

Council approved a special exception allowing the H.A.L.O Group to provide 11 multi-family apartment units within the New Perry Hotel.

Earlier this year, the H.A.L.O Group facilitated multiple fundraisers to pay for the renovations. The group’s intention is to create a living facility that doubles as housing for autistic adults.

Council at first had reservations about the special exception application because in it, applicant William A. Stanford, II, wrote that residents would not be allowed to cook full meals within their apartments. This worried council members, as the consensus was that each apartment should be adequately equipped with a full kitchen area that allowed for cooking.

H.A.L.O Board Chairman Gary Martin appeared before council Tuesday and added context to the proposed apartment plan. He also gave clarity to the aforementioned concerns. “We want to take what is now a building that is not in use and is basically just deteriorating and turn it into apartments, which will help revitalize the area and also provide people that can live close to downtown.”

Martin says residents will have facilities to cook but, will not have full kitchens in their apartments. “You’ll have a full kitchenette that allows you to cook, it just won’t be a full four burner stove.” Martin says the group is providing efficiency rooms due to the structure previously functioning as a hotel.

According to community development director Bryan Wood, six of the units will be 1-bedroom apartments and five will be studio apartments. Martin says this is phase 1 of the group’s plan to renovate the hotel. He says the apartments would bring people to the downtown area, support downtown businesses and generate revenue for H.A.L.O.

He says phase 2 would include a full renovation of the property and bringing back the hotel restaurant. There will be a gift shop and donut shop as well. There will also be onsite job training for those with disabilities.

Following the consensus from Monday’s work session, the council voted in favor of placing a moratorium on conservation subdivisions in the city. The vote did not pass unanimously however, as Councilman Riley Hunt voted in opposition of the project and shared choice words at the end of the meeting. “I am disappointed in us not taking more time on this moratorium, we don’t know very much. We just passed it and we don’t even know when it’s gonna stop, we don’t know what it contains, and I’m just disappointed that we voted approval. Hunt had concerns that local builders may not have had a fair say in the decision.