Cherokee Eyes Plan to Protect Historic Properties

A proposal on the table to demolish a historic building in the Macedonia community to make way for a convenience store with gas sales is propelling one Cherokee County Commissioner to propose an ordinance that could help save some longstanding properties.

District 1 Commissioner Harry Johnston today will discuss if it's feasible for the Cherokee County government to enact a historical preservation ordinance, which he said is something other counties have done.

The discussion will take place during the commission's work session and meeting, which start at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, at the county administration building in Canton. 

The "catalyst," Johnston added," is a Macon-based developer's plans to demolish the old Bell's Store on Highway 20 at Union Hill Road to build a Flash Foods convenience store. 

Johnston, the longest serving commissioner whose district includes the property in question, said his research demonstrates that other counties don't entirely outlaw the destruction of historic structures.

However, these counties draw up a list of these buildings, and require an open, public process before demolition — or a significant change to the building's exterior — can take place, he added. 

"That at least makes the public aware, and provides time to search for economically viable ways to save the structure," he said. "But eventually, if no workable solution is found, the owner can proceed with demolition."

Johnston added that since the county can't enact the ordinance immediately, he may call for a moratorium on the destruction of non-residential structures and dwellings on the Cherokee County Historical Society's list of "significant" historic structures. 

See the attached .PDF to review what else is on tonight's agenda.