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Hall County discusses Pine Street closure, DHHS move and old jail demolition timing
Summary
Commissioners heard updates on DHHS staff moving out, asbestos removal at the old jail, demolition contractor scheduling, and plans to close Pine Street ahead of demolition; no formal vote was taken on vacating the street.
Hall County commissioners discussed timing and logistics for demolition of the county’s former Health and Human Services (DHHS) building and the adjacent old jail, including whether to permanently close Pine Street to support demolition and future construction.
Commissioners were told DHHS staff have been instructed to be out of the DHHS building by Feb. 18 and the agency plans to vacate the site completely by March 1; movers will remove furniture after the agency relocates. County staff said asbestos removal from the old jail has been completed and a pre-demolition meeting with the contractor is scheduled for Thursday to discuss methods and sequencing.
A commissioner raised the need to advertise and post signage before closing Pine Street and asked staff to determine the legal and property interests the county would need if it plans to build on or use the former streetbed. “I certainly think you need to have it closed prior to when we do demolition of the DHHS building,” one commissioner said; commissioners asked staff to return with the required lead time and ownership information at the next meeting.
Staff also reported the county successfully relocated two oak trees from the north end of the DHHS property to a county park; the board received a short update on the tree move and on plans to meet with judges to explain demolition impacts for courthouse operations.
Separately, the board was briefed on the retirement of longtime employee Rick Stepanek, effective March 14, and on hiring and recruitment plans for that vacancy.
No final action was taken at the meeting on permanently vacating Pine Street; staff were directed to gather details on property transfer and advertising timelines and to return with recommendations at a future meeting.
