From issues of growth, revenue and matters of historic preservation, Demorest officials heard from right around a dozen residents on plans for the future of the city at a second town hall Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Those who wish to provide input to city officials can also fill out a survey here.
Much of the feedback gathered from constituents will serve as a foundation for the future long-term strategic plan for the city and address questions of growth as well as zoning, which has gone unaddressed for the last 15 years.
City officials heard plenty of praise – as well as earnest suggestions – throughout the meeting.
“After 10 years in Demorest, I’m clearly aware of how amazing of a community we have,” Bobbe Seibert told council members. “Perhaps, my most major concern is that we lose that by overbuilding. We’re already in a crazy traffic situation with (Highway) 441. I would hate to see what Demorest is best at – which is community – become Gainesville. We don’t want that – anything but that.”
With ongoing budgetary constraints forcing Demorest to levy recent water rate hikes and a slight tax increase on residents last year, Seibert acknowledged the city’s need for revenue: A “balance,” as she described it, that she hopes the city can achieve. To find that “balance,” she proposed placing the burden on the backs of developers – instead of homeowners – who look to do business in Demorest.
Demorest, a city with just over 2,000 residents that spans a little more than two miles, has identified the need for additional revenue sources to support population growth and a greater demand for services.
“We just have too much of what everybody else wants,” she said of the potential for future development. “If we don’t price that, or make it value to them…they have to know this is a valuable thing. That’s my major concern. I don’t want the developers to come here, take what they want, and then we have to figure out that sewer system, figure out that traffic. That’s something they should have to pay for.”
Demorest resident Frank Dean expressed a desire to see perimeters that specify boundaries of the historic district as to prevent multi-family housing projects from developing there.
Dean specified apartments, long-term rentals and “perhaps” townhomes when asked by Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness to define what he considers “multi-family.”
“I know there will be some changes, but I think we need to control that,” Dean said. “I (only) want to see single-family (homes).”
Darrell Yoder, a newcomer to Demorest who moved from Lilburn in May, was among several residents who commended city officials and council members for their efforts to keep Demorest what it is – small, preserved and “maintained.”
“You all have been doing great at keeping it a small town. We appreciate that, and we’d like to see it stay that way,” he said. “We like the historic nature of things.”
Patti Davis, who sits on Demorest’s Downtown Development Authority, told council members she’d like to see more options for restaurants at a range of price points in Demorest.
The first to speak during the meeting was Bobbe Seibert’s husband, John, who seemed to encapsulate the conflict cities like Demorest experience across the U.S. today.
“I think Demorest is a unique place,” John Seibert said. “But there’s always room for improvement…we all want commerce and connivence, but we all want peace and serenity. That’s always the balance of any environment, so keep at it and keep talking. That’s my suggestion.”
Next phases
Jessie Owensby with Civic Enhancement Strategies received $10,000 to consult the city through the next phases of the process. In the coming weeks, Owensby will assess data and input collected during the town halls for council to review in March. From there, officials can begin to draft a long-term strategic plan that mirrors the desire of residents.
Owensby is also the city of Cornelia’s community and economic development director.
After the open forum portion of Tuesday’s town hall, residents made their way to various stations at City Hall, identifying weaknesses, strengths and potential future opportunities.
The data will be reviewed by officials during a planning retreat on March 8.
“I think the turnout has been fantastic,” Harkness said. “…I think listening to the people is the most important thing we can do as elected (leaders). Jessie (Owensby) is putting together everyone’s responses, so we haven’t got a chance to see those yet, but that’s coming.”
