Community engagement in Savannah, discussing public records and safety.
Chadrick Mance, former President of the Savannah NAACP Chapter, has filed a legal complaint against the city over issues regarding public access to records. His grievances include the city attorney’s failure to fulfill an open records request linked to a civil case involving the tragic shooting of Shawntray Grant in 2018. Mance argues that inadequate security measures contributed to this incident and is seeking justice and transparency from the city.
In the charming city of Savannah, a significant legal development has emerged. Chadrick Mance, a well-known figure in the community and the former President of the Savannah NAACP Chapter, has officially filed a complaint against the city. This complaint comes as a result of challenges surrounding public access to records that many believe should be readily available.
On March 14, 2023, Mance took his concerns to Chatham County Superior Court. The complaint asserts that Jennifer Herman, the city attorney, did not fulfill obligations concerning an open records request made by Mance. This issue is linked to an ongoing civil case initiated by Mance back in June 2020 regarding a tragic incident involving the shooting death of Shawntray Grant, a notable leader of the Bullhorn Crew.
For a bit of context, Grant was shot and killed on June 15, 2018, in a harrowing incident involving three armed robbers right after he had celebrated a significant win of $12,000 on a gambling ship. This shocking event has raised serious questions about the safety measures in place at The View on Oglethorpe, the very location where the incident occurred.
Mance argues that the security measures at the location were insufficient, claiming that this inadequacy not only contributed to Grant’s tragic death but has also perpetuated a cycle of violence and crime in the surrounding neighborhoods overseen by the Housing Authority. Over the years, Mance believes that the conditions in these areas have only deteriorated under the authority’s watch.
At the heart of Mance’s complaint is the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), which sets forth that public records should be available for inspection without delay. However, Mance claims that despite paying for the requested records, including emails and communications regarding public safety at Housing Authority properties from February 2020 to May 2024, there has been no timely response or production of documents from Herman’s office.
Furthermore, Mance seeks records detailing patrol officer assignments, meeting notes, and communications between Savannah Police Department officials and Housing Authority employees. His contention is that the defendants have engaged in what he describes as antagonistic banter regarding his requests, effectively obstructing his access to the public records that he rightfully sought.
In this legal battle, Mance is not just seeking answers; he wants a court order to confirm that there was a violation of GORA by the city attorney, an immediate production of the records he has requested, and coverage for his attorneys’ fees. Additionally, he’s vying for civil penalties that may be applicable for the alleged violations, as well as any other remedies the court might deem appropriate.
As of the last court records update, no hearings had been scheduled for this case, leaving many in the community curious about the potential outcomes. In a statement, the City of Savannah’s Press Secretary, Josh Peacock, has noted that the city will not comment on ongoing litigation, which adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding story.
As Savannahians await further developments, this case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in local government. With Mance’s push for access to public records, it is clear that the residents of Savannah are keenly interested in ensuring that their voices are heard and that their safety and rights are not compromised.
Stay tuned for updates on this significant legal matter, as it promises to continue stirring conversation and raising critical questions about public safety and governance in Savannah.
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