Council gives initial approval to convert former Sherwood Clinic at 415 Fisk Ave to long‑term rentals; second reading set for May 5

The Demorest City Council on April 7 held an initial reading and public hearing on a special‑use permit petition by Alan Baker and Philip Smith to convert the former Sherwood Clinic at 415 Fisk Avenue into approximately 8–10 long‑term rental units.

City Manager Mark Musselwhite presented the staff report. The property is zoned B1 (Neighborhood Business), and the applicants said the structure could be repurposed for residential use while short‑term rentals would be prohibited; the applicants described “long‑term” as leases longer than six months. Alan Baker said the building had been underused for commercial purposes, that the property has 38 parking spaces now and that the residential plan would require roughly 18 parking spaces versus potential commercial uses that could generate heavier daily traffic. Baker said the project aims to attract local professionals and generate steady tax revenue while improving a vacant, deteriorating site.

Supporters included local realtor Wade Rhodes and community members who submitted two letters in favor (Rebecca Purcell; Mike and Susan Ramsey). Opponents focused on stormwater and traffic. Neighbor Beth Shore presented photos she said showed erosion and siltation of a pond and said she and others had spent more than $75,000 addressing previous runoff damage; she asked the council to require conditions and review of any construction phase that could increase runoff. Kylee Stephens, speaking for an adjacent property owner, said the change of intensity to continuous residential use is inconsistent with B1 zoning and warned current parking (14 usable spaces for that parcel) would be insufficient for the proposed units.

Applicant Philip Smith said the team’s ability to remediate runoff is limited to the 415 Fisk parcel but argued residential use would likely generate fewer daily vehicle trips than many B1 uses, noting that “a restaurant could bring 100–150 cars per day.” Smith and Baker provided handouts showing intended renovations and asked the council to grant fair consideration; the public hearing was closed and the council set a second reading for May 5.

What happens next: The item proceeds to a second reading on May 5; if the council adopts the special‑use permit then, the applicants still must obtain any required permits and comply with stormwater and parking requirements outlined by city staff.

Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 007; hearing and comments continued through SEG 009.