Clarkesville sets public meeting on old courthouse property

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Clarkesville officials are planning a public meeting next month to begin developing a shared vision for the future of the former Habersham County courthouse property at 555 Monroe Street.

Economic Development Director Yvonne Marinelli announced during the City Council’s Oct. 27 work session that the initial meeting is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Mary Street Community House.

Marinelli said the meeting will bring together the Main Street Board, Downtown Development Authority, mayor and City Council, along with nearby property owners, to begin identifying the property’s best use.

The city is working with the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission to guide the planning process. Adam Hazell, the commission’s planning director, is expected to facilitate the discussion.

Marinelli described the Nov. 19 gathering as a “pilot conversation” and said she envisions a series of public meetings as the process moves forward.

“I see this being a series of public meetings,” she said.

Mayor Franklin Brown said the city wants to involve residents in the process rather than limit discussions to city officials and appointed boards.

“We’re doing part of this to get the public involved, not just the committees and the others, and to seek ideas, opinions, as to highest and best use of the property,” Brown said.

Planning for the property’s future

The city purchased the former courthouse property in 2025 and has since explored potential redevelopment options, including a downtown hotel and a new fire station.

Previous discussions have included the possibility of dividing the property to accommodate public safety needs and private commercial development. City officials have also considered a boutique hotel with meeting space and other amenities.

Brown said the city has already had two studies conducted on the property, including one by the University of Georgia several years ago and a more recent study commissioned and paid for by the city.

Marinelli said Hazell recommended that the initial meeting include city leadership and boards, as well as property owners whose land shares a boundary with the site. She also mentioned the Lockwoods, whose property is across the street from 555 Monroe St.

The initial discussion will focus on identifying shared priorities for the property before the city invites the broader public to offer input at a subsequent meeting.

The goal, Marinelli said, is to determine what officials and stakeholders collectively want to accomplish and what would be best for the city and its residents.

No specific redevelopment proposal was announced during Tuesday’s work session. The Nov. 19 meeting is intended to help establish direction for the property’s future.