It has taken a decade, but all parties are finally seeing eye to eye on the old courthouse project.
Everyone seems to finally agree that tearing it down maximizes the value of the property, both from a financial standpoint and for economic development of Clarkesville’s downtown square.
The city and the county are steadfast now along with the Development Authority that something must be done to utilize the valuable space.
With the Development Authority and the City of Clarkesville putting up a loan for the demolition, they get more in return than the potential 3 percent interest to be paid by the county within 10 days of selling the property.
The two entities get a chance to paint the picture they want to see.
Prior developers believed the building could be saved, but that has not happened.
The county was prepared to essentially hand the property over to developer Lew Oliver a couple of years ago before scuttling the deal, hoping to sell the property and make more than the promised $10. In addition, Oliver’s plan was for permanent housing, something Clarkesville has expressed a disinterest in at this time.
Instead, the county is betting on itself and the viability of the property, figuring the sale will come through at a price point to allow them to pay off the loan with interest and have a profit for the general fund.
That result would reconcile all conflicting concerns from the last time the county was serious about tearing the building down in 2021.
In addition, under the proposed agreement between the three government entities, the new development would have to be agreed upon by all, meaning there are no surprises in the works. All signs now point to the desire for a boutique hotel on the property that would add to Clarkesville’s downtown charm along with a variety of shops and eateries.
All three boards can be partners in this endeavor, which could potentially be ratified by Clarkesville at Friday’s retreat and the county commissioners on Monday night.
“The City of Clarkesville is ready, willing, and able to work with the county and the Development Authority to make our dream of redevelopment come true,” Clarkesville City Councilman Franklin Brown told Habersham County.
That dream is a long time coming, and this joint effort to crystalize it is a win for the entire community.