Leaders seek input about park resident

Madison County commissioners discussed what could be done to find a new day-time home for an elderly man who spends his days, and frequently nights, at Madison Memorial Park by the county government complex.

No answers were agreed upon Feb. 11, but county commission chairman Anthony Dove said he is asking the public for input on a compassionate way of dealing with the issue.

“I’m personally asking the community for help,” said Dove. “… I don’t really have an answer. I know this is an issue in America, not just here.”
The chairman said the gentleman in the park has worn a trail from a bench he stays at to the gazebo. He noted that some people can’t use the gazebo because of the man’s items inside. There is also no public restroom at the park.

“As far as I know, he hasn’t bothered anybody, but it’s starting to affect the park,” said Dove.

There is no homeless shelter in Madison County. But county planning commission chairman Wayne Douglas noted that his church does mission work with homeless Athens residents and that there are some services available for the man in Clarke County, including a homeless shelter. But the shelter is for those who choose to go there. And commissioners noted that the gentleman seems happy where he is.

Dove said he wants to see nothing but kindness offered to the man.

“Everyone is very protective of him in Danielsville,” said Dove. “Anyone who messes with him is going to face trouble from a lot of us.”

Anyone with input on the issue can call the chairman’s office at 706-795-6300.