CORNELIA, Ga. — The Cornelia City Commission will consider a proposed mini-storage development, zoning ordinance amendments, amphitheater naming rights, and several board appointments during its June 2 meeting.
The commission is scheduled to meet at City Hall following its invocation and pledge.
One of the evening’s most notable agenda items is a request from WebsterLake Investment Group for a conditional use permit to construct mini-storage units at 1509 Level Grove Road. The proposal would expand a previously approved storage development on the property after plans for a commercial use on one portion of the site became impractical due to Georgia Power easement requirements. The Cornelia Unified Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of the request following a public hearing on May 21.
Commissioners will also hold public hearings on two proposed zoning ordinance amendments.
The first amendment would modify requirements within the city’s Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) zoning district. City officials say the changes are intended to make the zoning classification more practical for infill development within existing residential areas. Proposed changes include eliminating the current five-acre minimum required to rezone property to TND, reducing maximum building height from 45 feet to 35 feet, reducing the maximum number of stories from four to three, increasing minimum dwelling size requirements, and reducing certain setback requirements. The Cornelia Unified Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of the amendment.
A second zoning amendment would change regulations governing accessory buildings in residential districts. The proposal would prohibit accessory structures from being placed within the street-side yard of corner lots and establish setback requirements for accessory buildings located in side yards.
Under old business, commissioners are expected to revisit rental fees and rules for the city’s new park after tabling the matter in May. City Manager Donald Anderson is recommending a rental fee of $300 for public events, plus any required municipal services. A refundable damage deposit of at least $1,000 is also being proposed. The accompanying park rules would prohibit activities such as smoking, vaping, camping, fireworks, skateboarding, and amplified sound without a permit.
The commission is also scheduled to consider:
- An appointment to the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.
- An appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- An appointment to the Downtown Development Authority.
- An automatic aid agreement with Habersham County for the City of Demorest.
- A budget adjustment to balance the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund.
- A fire protection agreement with the City of Mount Airy.
- Prices for benches at Jim Smith Park.
- Amphitheater naming rights.
The amphitheater item comes less than a month after commissioners approved a $2.78 million construction contract with Charles Black Construction for the project. During the May meeting, city officials announced plans for a June 6 Big Red Apple Centennial Celebration featuring a car show, fun run, golf cart parade, apple pie baking competition, live music, a documentary premiere, a rededication of the Big Red Apple, and fireworks.
Residents will have an opportunity to address commissioners during the public forum portion of the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.
The meeting agenda also includes approval of minutes from the May meeting, the city manager’s monthly report, and consideration of several public hearing items before commissioners move into new business.
