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Visitor points out problem first impressions TO THE EDITOR: As a resident of Augusta, I visit Washington regularly to see friends. I read with interest about the City's upcoming events - the bike tour, tour of homes, and Ernie Harwell Day. Each will surely bring substantial tourists and media coverage to Washington. First impressions are often lasting, so what will newcomers "see" and "feel" about Washington? Allow me to offer my observations and opinions: Welcome Signs - The "Welcome to Washington" signs look not only tired and worn, but cheap. A tasteful sign bespeaking the City's heritage could be easily designed and installed before these events. Civic pride starts at the welcome signs. Roadside Junk - On one major route into town from Athens, visitors will see a very ugly side of Washington. Not only will they witness a commercial junkyard, but several homes sport abandoned rusted cars [or] have unsightly junk appliances and trash strewn in their yards. Washington's "Historic" district in downtown doesn't fare much better. A fire-gutted home complete with graffiti stands unattended at least six months after the fire. A short distance away, abandoned junk cars litter a home and yard. Surely there are County and City codes which govern and prohibit such practices. Why are they not being enforced? Why don't residents demand their elected officials to address these blighted situations? Each is easily remedied and a shameful breach of codes and ethics. Sidewalks - Hopefully visitors won't attempt any neighborhood walks. Sidewalks are largely broken, uneven and outright dangerous! If the City does not have the staff to repair this condition, certainly the slowdown in construction in nearby larger cities would create an opportunity for a large cement finishing company to quickly remedy these eyesores and dangers in a short period of time. Downtown - There aren't many stores, so why can't they all look their best? Washington merchants will see increased shoppers, but what will the shoppers experience? Merchants largely ignore the beauty of potted plants in front of their stores. Why? One business on the main street has had dead plants in front of it for several months. Doesn't anyone care? Isn't there a merchants' group that can coordinate exterior beautification?The benefits tangibly and intangibly will offset minor costs of plants and beautification. Dining - With limited dining options, all restaurants will be busy - are they ready? My experience with eating downtown has been disappointing. The service is not only slow, but the help seems untrained. Many are haphazardly dressed and do not give a professional appearance to a diner. Washington has an opportunity this spring to showcase itself to an audience of tourists, potential new residents and new businesses. However, unless action is taken to remedy the above weaknesses, this increased exposure will only serve to be an opportunity for the City to embarrass itself. Again, first impressions are often lasting. Civic pride, coupled with enforcement of City and County code[s] can bring back a gleam to the diamond that is Washington.
I wish for you nothing but the best.
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