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EDC outlines phased plan for courthouse property, including potential recreation and preservation options
Summary
Economic development officials told the planning commission they are developing a multi-phase evaluation and master plan for the courthouse property, with feasibility studies, grant opportunities and potential public uses taking 12–18 months.
Mr. Johnson of the EDC ABC briefed the commission on preliminary work to evaluate reuse of the courthouse property and possible development paths.
Johnson said the EDC has drafted a multi‑phase plan that begins with initial investigation and feasibility matrices, follows with plan development, and could proceed to design and implementation phases. He said certain grants might be available for specific phases and that the first phase could be completed by the holidays, while the overall process could take 12 to 18 months. “It's gonna take a little while. We're gonna have to get the thing initially approved by the board and it's not gonna go fast,” Johnson said.
The commission discussed options including recreational uses, tourism, and involving high‑school students in implementation. Commissioners and the EDC also highlighted historic‑resource work: staff said the Department of Historic Resources had a 1900–1919 USGS map that could guide a preliminary survey for a cemetery and old buildings, and that any archaeological work would require hiring specialists.
Why it matters: The courthouse property sits on county land and has competing interests — preservation, recreation and economic development — that could affect public access, historic resources and future county investments.
What’s next: The EDC and county staff will continue investigations, coordinate with the Department of Historic Resources for a site visit, and return to the commission with more detailed plans and funding options.
