Habersham Co. and Clarkesville working to determine Best Use of Old Courthouse Property

Officials from Habersham County and Clarkesville are working together to determine how to best use the county property that houses the old courthouse on the Clarkesville square.  In an informal meeting Friday, officials from the two governments, including representatives of the development authority, sat down to open a dialogue on how to best use the old courthouse property to meet the needs of our city and county residents.  Discussions included the types of businesses and uses of the Monroe Street property that both feel would be most beneficial, pursuing joint grants and other funding opportunities to upgrade utilities and infrastructure, and possibly working together to clean up the county-owned property.  “I am encouraged at the positive tone of our discussions and look forward to working with Clarkesville officials as we together chart a course for the future success of the county and city,” said County Manager Alicia Vaughn. “We do not want to make hasty or one-sided decisions that are not looking 30 to 50 years down the road, nor do they, and these open, ongoing discussions are key to planning.”  Officials also are looking jointly at ways to clean up the property and make it more attractive for potential developers or development.  Clarkesville City Councilman Franklin Brown, who was in Friday’s meeting, said he wants to clear up a public misconception that the city is not willing to work with the county.  “I would like to set the record straight that the City of Clarkesville has always been willing to work with the county,” Brown said. “We want to work cooperatively to come up with the highest and best use of that property to benefit downtown Clarkesville and Habersham County, through a joint public/private partnership if need be.”  Brown said if the numbers are right, the city is ready to proceed.  “I want us to get things started immediately – as quickly as possible,” Brown said.  Habersham County Commission Chairman Ty Akins said he is optimistic for the future of the property.  “We look forward to working together with the City of Clarkesville to find a win-win solution for the best use of the property for the entire community,” Akins said.