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Commissioners weigh tight deadline and cost estimates for relocating mill houses tied to affordable housing effort
Summary
Commissioners said a developer demolition deadline of April 15 creates urgency around relocating two historic mill houses for future affordable housing; staff said the original mover has not confirmed updated bids and earlier estimates include $536,699 for relocation, site prep and abatement.
Clarke County commissioners discussed an urgent proposal to relocate two mill houses (110 Spirit of Life and 1060 Macon Highway) for future affordable housing during the March 17 agenda‑setting session.
Commissioners said the developer plans to begin demolition around April 15, creating a narrow window to secure moving contractors and confirm costs. Staff told the commission they had not yet received an updated estimate from the home mover and that if the mover will not proceed the county may need to solicit other bidders or accept the previously provided cost estimates. Commissioner Thornton emphasized the timeline and questioned whether the county could meet the developer’s deadline; other commissioners called the timeline a “chicken and egg” problem because the county needs an estimate to approve funding but an approval is required before partners will commit.
A staff number discussed during the exchange identified $536,699 as an estimate for relocation, site preparation and abatement; staff also said additional rehabilitation costs to make units habitable were not included in the agenda item and would likely be borne by a future housing provider if the properties are transferred. Commissioners discussed alternative uses of county‑owned duplexes to create single‑family housing and asked staff to continue outreach to potential partners and to circulate updated cost information.
No final action was taken on March 17; commissioners instructed staff to continue efforts and report back, acknowledging the limited time before the developer’s stated demolition schedule.
