Council Ratifies Church Purchase Contract

The City Council begins a due diligence phase of the historic Methodist church purchase after contract ratification June 5. The Council held three hearings under a new open land procurement policy established January 3. The sales price is $2 million dollars of the anticipated $6 million SPLOST money. A previous council sought to buy the historic church using threat of condemnation through eminent domain in 2003.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Lovelady cited a May 10, 2006 letter from Clark Patterson Associates Vice President Kevin J. McOmber giving Council a green light on potential re-use of the Church property once purchase is completed. The letter states, "Our conclusion to this issue is that there are conditions that would allow the church to be used "as is." The property adds 64 needed parking spaces for the City.

Yet to be explored are historic restoration grants that could be utilized for future renovation as the property is listed in The National Registry of Historic Places. Over time, the city could spend up to a million dollars renovating the historic centerpiece that sits on a hill across from the City Hall complex.

• Read Draft Minutes of May 1 Council Meeting
• Read Draft Minutes of June 5 Council Meeting
• Read Press Article - Norcross OKs Buying Church Property
• Read Condemnation Letter Sent to Church Owners in 2003