Sheriff proposes downtown safety plan, new tax to fund it | The Augusta Chronicle

Sheriff Richard Round­tree’s recommendation for improving downtown safety includes closing a section of River­walk Augusta overnight, installing 32 security cameras and implementing new taxes to fund a “Continually Patrolled District.”

Roundtree, who presented the plan to Augusta Commission members Monday, recommended that the riverwalk close from 11 p.m. to sunrise between Fifth and Ninth streets.

At the riverwalk, where a couple were brutally beaten late at night earlier this year, sheriff’s office statistics show most crime happens “after midnight,” Roundtree said.

Closure would give deputies probable cause to ask why people are there while it’s closed – to ask, “Why are you here at 2 o’clock in the morning?” the sheriff said.

Commissioner Alvin Ma­son said he had “concern” about closing an important landmark. “Having it shut down to me is a problem,” he said.

“I’m in support,” Commis­sioner Marion Williams said. “I’d like to see that hour maybe moved back. Not so early.”

That part of the plan is negotiable, Roundtree said, and the riverwalk would remain open during special events.

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