Peach Tree Times

State Representative Floyd Griffin has voiced his opposition to Senate Bill 260, which proposes changes to the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority (CSHLRA) in Milledgeville. The bill suggests restructuring the authority by reducing its members and shifting control from local to state governance.

Griffin expressed concerns about diminishing local input: “SB 260 is an attempt at reducing local control of redevelopment efforts in our communities – decisions that rather should be made by folks that live and work here.” He emphasized that any issues with CSHLRA should be addressed locally and mentioned discussions with the inspector general aimed at resolving current challenges.

He stated, “If SB 260 makes it out of the Senate and onto the House Floor for a vote, I will vehemently oppose the bill and fight to ensure that this authority remains at the discretion of local communities.”

The CSHLRA was established in 2012 to repurpose the former hospital and prison grounds, addressing job losses and revitalizing properties. The proposed bill would reduce voting members from nine to three, remove appointment powers from Milledgeville and Baldwin County governments, rename the authority, and place it under state oversight through the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Griffin urged community members to express their opposition while seeking improvements without losing local decision-making power.