With all the run-down strip malls scattered across south Augusta, District 6 isn't the most aesthetically pleasing area in the city. But Janet Clarke says it certainly has some of the nicest residents.

"There are a lot of friendly people around here," she said.

As Augusta commissioners tour the district represented by Andy Cheek today, they likely will notice a lot of new houses being built in the "friendly" area, which generally includes the area south of Lumpkin Road and north of Spirit Creek between Windsor Spring Road and Mike Padgett Highway.

But don't be fooled, said Ms. Clarke and others interviewed Thursday. Even though more people are moving into the area, residents and business owners say too many businesses are leaving, a trend they would like to see the commissioners turn around.

"It seems like business is dying down here," said Jasmer Heard, the assistant manager of the Family Outlet clothing store in the Colony Plaza shopping center on Windsor Spring Road.

Colony Plaza used to be anchored by a Wal-Mart, but it has been replaced by the Sitel Call Center. While business at her store is steady, Ms. Heard said, the shopping center itself has a lot less traffic than it used to.

Amanda Hawkins, who co-owns Patrick's Barber and Beauty Salon on Peach Orchard Road, said she wants to see some new large chain stores move closer to her home off Windsor Spring Road.

"I think they should build a Wal-Mart or Target between here and Waynesboro," she said. "People don't want to travel just to shop."

It's not that businesses can't thrive in District 6, said Nikisia Glenn, a hairstylist at the salon. The Applebee's restaurant that recently opened in the parking lot of Colony Plaza always is packed with customers, Ms. Glenn said.

"They make the money because that's the only hangout we've got," she said.

Changes in the district only will happen, though, if city commissioners stop fighting and start getting things accomplished, Mrs. Hawkins said.

"Our streets aren't kept clean," she said. "We have a jail out here, so why don't they have the prisoners picking the trash up off the roads?"

Ms. Clarke pointed out another problem with the roads in District 6 - too many potholes.

"If you go down the residential roads, there are potholes everywhere," she said.

Despite the district's problems, residents don't intend to leave.

"It's nice out here," said Zelda Gantt, who lives off Rosier Road and has been a resident of District 6 for 10 years.

Mrs. Hawkins said she hopes commissioners and others will recognize the potential the district has to grow.

"They're always talking about how south Augusta is bad, but everywhere has bad parts," she said.

Reach Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington at (706) 823-3332 or t.lindsay.wilkesedri@augustachronicle.com.