Lisandra Gilliam worries that when her family is moved out of Gilbert Manor public housing next year, her daughter might not be moving on.
Eight-year-old Amira is in the third grade and must take a state-mandated test this school year.
"If she doesn't pass it, she'll get left behind," said Ms. Gilliam, 28.
Disrupting school seemed to be the top unresolved concern raised Thursday at a meeting between Augusta Housing Authority officials and residents of Gilbert Manor.
In a packed room filled with more than 200 people, officials did their best to allay concerns about the upcoming move.
The housing authority got permission last week from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to sell Gilbert Manor to neighboring Medical College of Georgia. The school is making plans to build a School of Dentistry building on the 15-acre site in conjunction with a medical commons that would house an expanded School of Medicine.
Housing authority staff have already met individually with residents to find out whether they want to move into other public housing or take Section 8 housing vouchers to rent their own places. The residents will receive letters next week telling them they have 90 days to move, but the authority is not going to kick people out at the deadline, Executive Director Jacob Oglesby said.
"Nobody is going to be set out in the street until we find you some place to go," he said.
Charmel Rogers said she is looking forward to a voucher and getting out on her own.
"For me, this is a wonderful move," said Ms. Rogers, 25. "This is my ticket to get up out of here. I'm ready to buy my kids a swing set."
Others said they did not want to move or felt some questions had not been answered.
Going back and forth to the doctor is a concern for many residents, said Barbara Gresham, who has lived at the complex since 1989.
"Is MCG going to give them their transportation? Or HUD?" Ms. Gresham asked.
Housing Authority service coordinators will help arrange transportation, Mr. Oglesby said.
One of the biggest concerns is that the move falls in the middle of the school year.
"They say No Child Left Behind," said Mildred Jackson, referring to the federal education law. "If they move, they're going to be left behind. Why are you in such a hurry to get us out of here?"
Ms. Gilliam's daughter, for instance, is in the midst of preparing for the state-required Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests that she will need to pass to get out of the third grade at Joseph R. Lamar Elementary School.
The move could hurt the child, she said, "because schools teach at different levels."
The housing authority plans to approach the Richmond County board of education about letting the children finish out the school year in their old schools, Mr. Oglesby said. Depending on where they move, they might not have to switch schools, he said.
The school issue was a new one to Rep. Wayne Howard, D-Augusta, whose district includes Gilbert Manor. To him, it signaled a need to reconsider the deadlines.
"It feels like a rush," Mr. Howard said. MCG won't buy the property until July, he said, "so you can make adjustments on the timeline."
But residents were told early on what the time frame would be, Mr. Oglesby said.
"And we've adhered to that timeline," he said. "We're going to work with the families to get them relocated. If it takes us 120 days, whatever it takes is what we will do."
But for some, there are just too many issues to go forward.
"We need to go back to the drawing board," said a man who would only identify himself as Brother Garcia.
"It's a little too late to go back to the drawing board," Mr. Oglesby said.
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Augusta Housing Authority and the Richmond County Board of Education will discuss letting children finish out the year at the schools they currently attend after they leave Gilbert Manor.
Comments
I wonder if that excuse would work for military personnel not wanting to transfer? Doubt it. These people need to get a grip, they are not being put out in the street. We don't put you up so you can buy a swingset, it's to keep a roof over your head.
I am having my kids go to summer school just so they can get a re-evaluation cause they were left behind 2 years ago and nobody gives a rip.
I hear ya, summer school ain't cheap. These people don't realize that the Olmstead housing area is actually a step up from where they are at. Good schools, nice lake with piknik areas and grills, parks, shopping, ball park with free fireworks, very low crime, on a bus route, virtually downtown and real close to the hospitals.
Looking at the picture of these folks, none appear to be severly
handycapped, all look healthy. Why don;t they get jobs and improve
their situation for themselves. "Beggers can't be choosers" ! Well here
in Augusta they are. We let these folks bleed us dry and we bow and
scrap at their every complaint because they're........never mind. This
is silly. If they don't like the free ride they're getting then they
need to pay for a better one. And the same goes for all those Katrina
trailer park "victims". People like these have made a profession out of
being victims. Public housing was intended for the sick and elderly of
all races, not the lazy who just happen to have been born
.........never mind!
Mutt, race is not the case here and the victims of "Katrina" have nothing to do with this. Augusta has to get beyond its subliminal racism, let's finally grow up and tackle issues, not people.
Our government has created a vast segment of the population so dependent on them that they feel it's a right. This isn't help, it's slavery.
13 Times, what do you suggest?
Augusta Resident I am a military dependant with children the different is my family never had 90 days to make a move during school we usually stay behind until school is out then we join my husband. We never had to move in that short period of time. You must ask yourself why the rush? give these people time to get their children school issues taken care of. why should they have to take a chances on something as important as their children education. Are you trying to keep them wards of the State system?
I have mixed feelings.. I do feel sorry for them.. They will never know what is like to be independent rather than dependent..
Patricia Thomas, you are so right...our government has created this slavery, this dependence on the government to take care of those who in many cases could take care of themselves. It is called living on the Liberal Plantation (No, I am not a ditto-head Limbaugh fan, but agree with some of what he says)
And now, our voters have the opportunity to vote for a woman who promises more of the same...and remember, nothing is free, and someone's taxes pay for it. You are being bribed with your own money. Simple as that. And if and when she is successful, you can bet we will have more gimme situations to fork out our tax dollars for.
Most are totally dependent on the government for everything. WE have ALLOWED this dependency. Some are disabled and need the help, but the vast majority could work. If you suggest work to them, they act as if you have slapped them. Sorry for those that need the help, but not for able-bodied people than could help themselves, IF they chose to do so. I wonder what will happen when they are moved to areas that is not as nice as Gilbert Manor? (yes, there are worse areas!) Bet we will hear more crying then!!!
How long has this story about MCG buying the property been in the news? They should have been been making plans a few months ago, they have 90 days to move. The move will be free, the new housing will be free, and they still get their benefits, whats the problem? Get off your butt and do something for yourself. The people that are truly disabled or handicapped do need help, the other ones should be weaned off of the free government ride....
whoa ....-no one is getting free rent.....Their rent is paid according to their income level.This is not a free ride.....
Let the children finish out the school year where they attend now.......
To The Gilbert Manor folks (not all of you but most)if you can read this you want someone to take care of you and your children. How is your child going to be left behind moving from one school to the next. if your child is failing its your fault as a parent not the school. I know you are scared of having your kids go to a school that does not pay for their meals. Getting back and fourth to doctors office its easy call a taxi,catch a ride from a neighbor or family member, Hey Buy a Car and drive. The folks that are in the same shape in any other county can make it you can to.
The sentiment sounds the same as I read these messages. We are sick of the freeloaders complaining. Keep raising enough dust and maybe I will look into the matter very deeply. Into every single persons back ground, checking accounts,Savings, automobiles, number of people staying in the homes, who is staying in the homes, who comes who gos, plus more. Im sure a few would be ousted immediatley.
Most of these people are loseres and lazy. they have been accustomed to getting a free handout and think that the rest of us working people owe them a living. I would be giving them 90 days to find a job and pay their own way period.
Gilbert Manor was originally discussed with MCG back in the mid 1980's as a property MCG wanted to purchase. It has continued to be discussed throughout the years. These residents of Gilbert Manor have been very well informed over the last two years as to what stage the talks were in.
justus4. I make these people (that you referred to as African Americans) whole every week when a huge chunk of my check that I work for is taken out in taxes. According to the article, one lady has been living in Gilber Manor since 1989. Unless this she is totally disabled, there is absoutely no reason why she cannot get her life together in 17 years and pay her own way in life.
The other lady wants to move out so she can get her kids a swing-set. While children certainly deserve a place to play and be a kid, this mother needs to be realistic. If she cannot afford her own place without public assistance, then a swing-set should not be a priority in her life. What a joke!!! She should buy them a book to read. This lady is going to take money from my taxes to pay her rent and then use her money for a swing-set. I might as welll go over there and buy the swing-set myself and save her the trouble. I probably already pay for their cable... so I should just foot the bill for everything else too.
Lisandra Gilliam get the School borad to give you a hardship case and drive your dauther to Larmar Elementary and I bet you may be able to get a gas voucher too.
I agree.. word of advice for the residents of all the projects and folks on Section 8...get a job and pay your own way. You made the choices that put you where you are. Why does the tax-payer have to pay for your mistakes?
I agree with Honest on this issue. The residence of Gilbert Manor should have planned for this to happen. I am from Augusta (however I no longer live here but I still have family here) and my family lived in public housing briefly. However, my parents did not want to raise their children in public housing so we moved into our own home. My dad took two jobs to get us out. Public assistance should be a temporary fix to assist those who really need it. I don't classify myself as a conservative nor liberal but I do believe in people taking responsibility of their own lives. This should be a wake up call especially for those who are healthy enough to work. Do what it takes to get out of public housing. Living in public housing makes you dependent on the goverment and you should only depend on yourself.
How in the heck do you know that " Most" of the people living in Gilbert Manor are bad? There is noting wrong with waiting until school is out for the summer for them to move. That is the one and only problem I have with this. And to the rest talking about " Their tax money", let me know where to send your $50.00. to.
southernlady.. That is a lame excuse..It does no harm to a child to move to a different school during the school year. I did it many times, so did my children, and probably you did also.
justus4 using diluted logic again. These people are American citizens not people with dual citizenship, and they were born free, with the same rights, priveleges, and opportunities as every other citizen of this country. They too benifit from the work of our ancestors, free, slave, immigrant, or native. The only reason that most of these people aren't whole is because they chose to be broken. Being a victim is profitable for them, and it excusses them from being responsible for the condition of their lives. You and they can keep crying about what is owed, but I could give a rip less, and don't intend to cave in to this victim mentality. And as for you 13TIMES, why don't you look at that picture or just go to Gilbert Manor or any other public housing area and tell me if race is a factor. Read JUSTUS4's comments and tell me if race is a factor. If you don't believe this is a race thing, just stick around and see if this story continues to be about the put upon poor people, or the put upon black people. Public housing is a race thing all across this nation, because one race is disproportionately benifitting from it, and constantly whining that it isn't enough. I say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
dont see a a bunch of mexicans living there..why? they WORK! get off your arses and let this money go to the people that really need it..
They should wait until the school year finishes. Moving is stressful and I hope they take that in consideration. The residents knew this was coming. I just hope that they adapt well in their new environments and those that are moving out into their own homes, I hope they realize that utilities are not cheap and they are due EVERY MONTH.
The term 'slavery' is apt for the poor in this country. As long as you sell your soul for votes, you will continue to be owned by the politicians (who, I would bet my last cent, doesn't live and have never lived in public housing)promising more and more of the same. When a child is grown, he is expected to leave his family home and make his own way, the same goes for all races. It is time. Show the politicians that you will NOT vote so that they can continue to make the poor more dependent. Expect and get better for your children.
pt in slavery the master has control - in these cases it's reversed - the recipients have the control. And before someone starts caterwailing, no I'm not a heartless bastard - I'm not for chucking poor old folks in the street; however, as my grandfather would say beggars can't be chosers and there should be time limits on the these social programs. I hope that someone who's lived in this type of housing for almost 20 years has valid reasons - I suspect this isn't always the case. Whatever happened to pride in supporting yourself and your family?! Contrary to idiot Cheeks views, supporting your family nd raising your children the right way are the most imprortant contributions one can make to society.
Reminds me of New Orleans and the near riots caused when the government decided to convert some high-rise housing to productive property. If you live in Augusta, you need to be prepared to take care of Augustans..who expect you to take care of them. In this case we are moving them from a slum area to newly renovated lake property, and they are complaining..go figure.
Mr. Howard said. MCG won't buy the property until July, he said, "so you can make adjustments on the timeline."Residents were told early on what the time frame would be. "We're going to work with the families to get them relocated. If it takes us 120 days, whatever it takes is what we will do."Mr. Oglesby said.
..........................................................................................Sounds to me like they have plenty of time to find a nice house in a nice place with good schools and a bus stop. So what's the freckin problem?
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
Back 
