Monday night, the Clarkesville City Council took major steps in the process of restoring its downtown, severely damaged by fire in March of 2014.
The council’s first action in the process was adoption of a resolution required in order to apply for a state grant of up to $500,000. The resolution declared, along with several other qualifications, that the city has documented that four properties on downtown’s Washington Street “are a blighting influence under local standards.” Federal law requires such documentation, among other requirements, for the city to apply for a Georgia 2015 Redevelopment Fund (RDF) grant.
The council also voted to approve the firm of Allen-Smith Consulting, of Jersey, Georgia, to apply on the city’s behalf for the state of Georgia grant.
The City of Clarkesville owns one burned parcel of land on Washington Street, with parts of the original building remaining, called The Parker Building or Building 1416. The remaining walls of the building hold historical significance for the city, which must be preserved by any renovation in order for the city to continue receiving a tax credit for historical preservation.
City Manager Barbara Kesler was appointed Monday to choose the best method of wall preservation, and after it is chosen, Allen-Smith Consulting can begin its grant application.
Debra Smith of Allen-Smith consulting said Monday night that her firm “feels very confident” that it can apply for and secure for the city a state “grant, not a loan.” The firm, which is in Walton County, “is 20 years old,” she said, with considerable experience in successful state grant application.
Kirby Glaze, of 4PM Architects, the Georgia company chosen by Clarkesville as the architectural firm for the downtown renovation project, was present at Monday’s meeting. “We’ve got our marching orders,” he said, and rebuilding can begin after the state grant application has officially been accepted by Georgia state government.
In other business Monday night, the council discussed that future meetings will be held on Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m. – a city budget planning work session – and Oct 5, with a public hearing on the proposed budget at 6:00 p.m., then a council business meeting to vote on the budget at 6:30 p.m.
