DEMOREST — The Demorest City Council is set to revisit a stalled multifamily housing proposal and proposed pension changes Tuesday night as several delayed agenda items return for consideration.
The council will meet for a work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday followed by a regular session and public hearings at 7 p.m. at Demorest City Hall.
Among the most closely watched items is a continued public hearing on a special-use permit request for 415 Fisk Ave., where applicants Alan Baker and Philip Smith are seeking approval for multifamily residential use on approximately 4.14 acres.
The request was tabled during the council’s May meeting after applicants requested additional time to gather information related to the project.
The proposal involves the former Sherwood Clinical building and surrounding property. Earlier discussions drew concerns from nearby residents over drainage, runoff and density, while supporters argued the development would help address housing demand and put an existing vacant property back into use.
Council members in May delayed action after a lengthy meeting in which multiple agenda items were postponed or tabled due to time constraints and pending information.
Pension proposal returns
The council is also expected to revisit proposed changes involving the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System.
In May, City Manager Mark Musselwhite said the city was awaiting updated actuarial figures tied to a proposal to increase the pension multiplier to 1.75. Council members delayed action until additional financial information became available.
The item returns Tuesday as part of a broader series of administrative and financial discussions.
Pilates zoning amendment scheduled for hearing
Another public hearing Tuesday involves a proposed amendment to Demorest’s zoning ordinance that would allow Pilates and similar studio exercise uses within B-1 commercial zoning districts.
The amendment appears aimed at clarifying permitted uses within the city’s commercial areas.
Additional agenda items
Council members are also expected to discuss or consider:
- a 2025 audit presentation from Bates & Carter;
- plat approval for 151 Ivy St.;
- a proposed GoGov contract;
- proposals to enclose bays at the water department;
- acceptance of a cyber grant;
- an ACG firewall quote;
- opening a new water and sewer operating account and closing the city’s current account;
- and a resolution involving the sale of common stock with Principal Financial.
- Tuesday’s agenda also includes updates related to the city’s July 4 activities, the city manager’s report and a financial review.
The June meeting follows several months of ongoing discussions in Demorest surrounding housing, zoning and infrastructure issues as the city continues managing growth-related development pressures across the area.
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