During a special called meeting on Thursday, Demorest officials will unveil concept plans for major renovations to City Hall. The city is considering relocating the police department and post office into the building, which would free up prime commercial space downtown.
“If we pursue that, it would mean moving City Hall to the middle of the building and moving the police department to where City Hall is now,” said Councilman Shawn Allen.
City officials say it was always intended for the old Demorest Elementary School building, which now houses City Hall, to be multi-use. Since purchasing the property in 2022, the city has intended to move the police department into the building. The post office relocation is a relatively new development, based on a new lease with the federal government.
Removing the oak trees for parking
Thursday night, the Council will consider plans for a new police station, parking lot, and landscaping. Concept plans are not yet available for the post office, but the parking lot is part of the overall project.
According to City Manager Mark Musselwhite, the post office requires additional parking to meet federal standards. The proposed lot would sit in the old schoolyard on the south side of the property, requiring the removal of two large oak trees.
“From what I understand, there’s been a study done by both arborists and a company we hired for environmental services to look at that, and it doesn’t seem like there’s any way for those trees to be saved,” said Allen. He said the trees pose a risk to the building during storms.
Despite the proposed changes, Allen stated that the overall historical integrity of the building will be preserved.
“I expect there to not be any changes to the overall historic structure and design of the building,” he told Now Habersham. “Other than the additions of the cafeteria, library (current location of City Hall), and gymnasium, it is as it was when it opened to students in 1940.”
Other business before the council
The council will also revisit its permit fee schedule, carrying over a debate from Aug. 5 that was tabled after public comments.
In addition, members will hold a second reading of a proposed amendment to Chapter 42 of the city code. The change would define what constitutes an “unlawful disturbance of a public gathering.” Officials stressed the measure is not aimed at limiting peaceful protests but at clarifying behavior that could disrupt events.
Also on the agenda is a discussion on fire department options, another item postponed from August.
The Demorest City Council will meet Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Demorest Municipal Conference Center, 250 Alabama St. A work session begins at 6 p.m.
