A long standing vacant courthouse in Habersham County could finally see some changes in the near future.
Habersham's County Commissioners have approved a pair of documents that allows transfer of the downtown Clarkesville structure and 2 acres of property to be transferred to the County Development Authority.
A release from Habersham County officials says that this will allow the county to continue negotiating with Parkside Partners LLC on a $500,000 proposal for the property for the sake of redeveloping it.
There are no concessions and no tax incentives in the deal, and the gazebo, Habersham County Killed In Action Memorial (also known as the Habersham County Veterans Memorial), and Habersham County Agriculture Services Building will remain under county ownership, with parking for offices and 4-H programs contained in that building.
Current plans call for the redevelopment of the existing structure to house retail, office, restaurant, and residential units for sale, including garage parking in the current basement.
While Internal demolition is planned, documents say the upfitting of the exterior would take place for a more aesthetic appearance.
County Spokesman Rob Moore says in the release that the agreement between the entities, as well as the city of Clarkesville, would prevent the county from using tax dollars to demolish the vacant building.
