DEMOREST, Ga. — The Demorest City Council will revisit two closely watched issues Tuesday night — a proposed multifamily housing development on Fisk Avenue and potential changes to the city’s employee pension plan — as part of a full agenda that also includes infrastructure and administrative items.
Council members will meet for a 6 p.m. work session followed by a 7 p.m. regular meeting at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center.
Fisk Avenue proposal returns for hearing
The headline item is a public hearing and possible vote on a special-use request from Alan Baker and Philip Smith to allow multifamily residential development on about 4.14 acres at 415 Fisk Ave.
The request is tied to a proposal to convert an existing commercial building into long-term rental units — a plan that previously drew mixed reactions from nearby residents.
After publication, Councilman Shawn Allen said in a Facebook comment that the Fisk Avenue housing request had been asked to be tabled until June, suggesting that detail was not accurately reflected in the initial reporting.
Now Georgia subsequently contacted City Clerk Megan Chastain to verify the status of the request. While the Fisk Ave. proposal was listed on the agenda Chastain sent to the media on the afternoon of Apr. 30, she confirmed that the applicants have submitted a request to table the item until next month.
However, Chastain added that the item will still appear on Tuesday’s council agenda so the governing body can formally decide whether to grant the request.
“The applicants have submitted a request to table the item until next month,” Chastain said. “As a result, the item remains listed on the agenda for the upcoming council meeting so that Council can formally decide whether to table it or not.”
Pension proposal still under review
Council members are also expected to revisit a proposal involving the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System (GMEBS), which was previously tabled to allow for additional review.
The proposal has included options such as increasing the pension benefit multiplier or modifying eligibility requirements, but officials have emphasized the need for more information before moving forward.
City staff and legal counsel have cautioned that changes could have long-term financial implications. During a prior discussion, City Attorney Thomas Mitchell noted that questions remain about how potential adjustments could interact with Social Security, saying the city wants to ensure it “fully understands the impact before making a commitment.”
The pension discussion has also revealed mixed feedback among city employees, with some departments expressing support for enhanced benefits while others have been more cautious.
Additional items on the agenda
- In addition to those issues, the council is expected to consider several other items, including:
- Acceptance of a resignation from the Downtown Development Authority
- A contract with GoGov, a municipal software platform
- Closure of an alley at Walnut and Ohio streets
- Approval of the city’s FY2026 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant and Local Road Assistance plans
- Bids related to City Hall renovations, parking improvements and a post office lease at 250 Alabama St.
- A second reading of an amended water and sewer fee structure
Many of those items will be discussed during the work session before formal votes during the regular meeting.
The meeting will include opportunities for public comment, including during the public hearing on the Fisk Avenue request.
As Demorest continues to weigh growth, infrastructure needs and long-term financial planning, Tuesday’s meeting is expected to bring renewed focus to how the city balances development with community concerns.
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