Residents in the Paradise Park area of south Habersham are voicing their concerns over a possible commercial addition to their neighborhood.
Paradise Park Road, located on the outskirts of Cornelia, winds through a quiet rural community. The road sits just down from New Hope Baptist Church and passes in front of historic Ogletree Estates. The 59.80 acre was registered as a National Historic Place in 1997. It’s been a private residence for years. Now, its owners want to turn it into a wedding venue and event center. There are even plans to add treehouse camping, according to the property’s website.
Those plans concern some adjacent homeowners.
Paradise Park residents, who asked to remain unnamed, say they have concerns about a number of issues. One is the venue’s parking and capacity.
Opponents of the proposed rezoning are concerned the wedding venue would cause traffic congestion in their neighborhood. They say the venue could hold up to 750 guests and 200 parked cars. Due to the rural nature of the roads and the location of adjacent housing, they say they’re concerned this would block the road in emergencies and everyday life.
Additionally, residents express concern about the potential of alcohol being sold in close proximity to the church. They also worry about the possible impact of loud music and noise and lights from events. Homeowners worry it will devalue their own homes if rezoning is approved.
Two hearings are scheduled next month to discuss the proposed rezoning.
The first will be held by the Habersham County Planning Commission on September 5 at 6 p.m. in the County Administration Building (old county courthouse) in Clarkesville. The second will be held by the Habersham County Board of Commissioners on September 18 at 6 p.m. in the Habersham County Courthouse. The public is urged to attend.
Ogletree Estates has not responded to requests for comments.
Update: The meeting originally scheduled for September 5, 2017, has been rescheduled for September 12, 2017, at 6:00 pm. No word yet as to whether the September 18 meeting will also be rescheduled.
