During a recent government meeting, resident Fred Green voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed parking deck at the Marriott Hotel located at 800 Front Avenue. Green, a long-time resident of the downtown historic district, expressed his apprehensions about the potential impact of the parking garage on his neighborhood, particularly regarding noise, safety, and traffic issues.

Green highlighted that the construction of a multi-story parking facility could lead to disturbances from vehicle headlights shining into homes and raised fears about safety, referencing a recent shooting incident in a nearby parking garage. He emphasized the importance of thoughtful urban planning, especially as the downtown area experiences rapid development, including new projects like the ball field development.

He also questioned the funding sources for the proposed garage, citing concerns that the financial allocations from past SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) initiatives were intended for renovations rather than new constructions. Green urged city officials to thoroughly investigate the implications of the project, particularly its effects on traffic patterns in an already congested area.

The meeting underscored the need for community engagement and transparency in urban development decisions, as residents like Green seek to ensure that growth does not compromise the character and safety of their historic neighborhoods. The discussion is expected to continue as city officials consider the feedback from the community.