AVOC urges the commissioners and citizens to look into this situation. With 11 acres of additional land, the courthouse complex can be preserved for generations…

AVOC

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October 11, 2008

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Oconee BOC should buy available 10-12 acres adjoining the courthouse complex –AND NOW!

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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The Oconee County Courthouse is a Historic Structure.   The site was once the Clarke County Courthouse site until the counties split in 1875.

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The County does not have many opportunities to buy land in downtown Watkinsville, especially adjoining the Courthouse Complex.    Currently approximately 11.34 acres are For Sale next to the courthouse.   AVOC sources indicate the land can be bought for less than $ 3 Million.   The County Commissioners need to buy this land and buy it NOW!   The county will need more office space and a parking deck in the future.

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Buying this land is an investment in the future of Oconee County.    It preserves the historic and cultural legacy of the courthouse.   Long-time residents think the idea of moving the courthouse is unthinkable.

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The Commissioners have been talking about a $ 40 Million SPLOST (Pre Stock Market Decline talk).    Buying the courthouse land should be a high priority project.   The county does not have to start building immediately.   Owning the land is critical and it will not add a lot of annual operational and maintenance cost to the Property Tax Budget.

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AVOC urges the commissioners and citizens to look into this situation.   With 11 acres of additional land, the courthouse complex can be preserved for generations.   We do not need to let this land turn into apartments and condos.

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AVOC has compiled information about the adjoining tracts and other articles related to this subject and it is available in a PDF file.

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FOR DETAIL, SEE:   Oconee County Courthouse Complex Details 10.12.08.pdf x