Several Macon-Bibb seniors say they've collected up to 200 signatures of those who are opposed to expanding the Bloomfield-Gilead recreation center into a new senior center.
This morning, the county re-affirmed it would move forward with spending an estimated $18,000 for architectural design plans there.
They say the $2 million set aside in SPLOST money isn't enough to build a new center and that expanding a current recreation facility would allow for the amenities seniors have asked for.
But Wilson Jones says he'd prefer a center in downtown Macon.
"Why move us into an area that we know the crime already pre-exists? Our feeling is, why would you want to put us in jeopardy to begin with, when we know the problems are already there?" Jones asked.
Janet Spry says she'd consider not going to the senior center if it was built in the Bloomfield area.
"I would have concerns about my car, I would have concerns when I want to put on some type of activity in the evening times. We would have to hire a security guard," Spry said.
Mayor Robert Reichert asked seniors to give the county a chance to present its plans and design for the center.
He also said each part of the community should be safe, and that they can't afford to avoid building in some places and deeming an area 'unsafe.'
