Officials from Habersham County and Clarkesville say they’re working together to determine how best to use the old courthouse property in Clarkesville. In an informal meeting on Friday, officials from the two governments, including representatives of the development authority, sat down to open a dialogue on the matter.
According to Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore, no quorum was present at the meeting.
In a joint press release issued Tuesday, officials said they discussed what types of businesses and uses would be most beneficial to both city and county residents. They also discussed pursuing joint grants and other funding opportunities to upgrade utilities and infrastructure and possibly working together to clean up the county-owned property on Monroe Street.
“I am encouraged at the positive tone of our discussions and look forward to working with Clarkesville officials as we together chart a course for the future success of the county and city,” said County Manager Alicia Vaughn in a press release. “We do not want to make hasty or one-sided decisions that are not looking 30 to 50 years down the road, nor do they, and these open, ongoing discussions are key to planning.”
The old courthouse has sat vacant and decaying on the Clarkesville square since the county moved its administrative offices into the new administration building southeast of town in 2019. Officials are jointly looking at ways to clean up the property and make it more attractive for potential developers or development.
Clarkesville City Councilman Franklin Brown, who was in Friday’s meeting, said he wants to clear up a public misconception that the city is not willing to work with the county.
“I would like to set the record straight that the City of Clarkesville has always been willing to work with the county,” Brown said. “We want to work cooperatively to come up with the highest and best use of that property to benefit downtown Clarkesville and Habersham County through a joint public/private partnership if need be.”
Brown said if the numbers are right, the city is ready to proceed.
“I want us to get things started immediately – as quickly as possible,” he said.
Habersham County Commission Chairman Ty Akins said he is optimistic about the future of the property.
“We look forward to working together with the City of Clarkesville to find a win-win solution for the best use of the property for the entire community,” Akins said.
Prior to Friday’s meeting, plans to develop the old courthouse property were essentially on hold after a failed bid by Clarkesville to obtain the property. Soon after, on February 6, Clarkesville imposed a six-month moratorium on new apartments in Clarkesville. Shortly after that, the Habersham County Development Authority withdrew its request for proposals for 90 days.
