Politics & Government

Suwanee Historic District Review Meeting Scheduled

A state board is planning to review the application for Old Town.

Perhaps the most important session in the City of Suwanee effort to establish a national Historic District is less than a month away.

Officials with the state Historic Preservation Division will present Suwanee's application to the state review board on August 23.

The application for National Register Historic District status is for a 67-acre section of Old Town, including most of Main Street. It includes such structures as Pierce's Corner, Suwanee First United Methodist Church and Everett's Music Barn.

The focal point of the effort is Pierce's Corner, the vacant building on Main Street that currently is owned by the Suwanee Downtown Development Authority. A group led by Norcross attorney Michael Deming Sr. has a lease-purchase deal to buy the building.

However, Deming Sr. has said that tax credits from a historic district are essential to completing the deal, which was announced in late 2011.

Property owners within the proposed district have the right to object to being listed in such a district. If more than 50 percent of the affected owners object, the district would not be formed.

One group of property owners has enlisted the services of the office of U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall in its ongoing opposition to being included in the proposed district.

A group led by Main Street property owner Linda Fleming has been in touch with Derick Corbett, chief of staff for Woodall, about the matter. This group consists of property owners on Main Street north of Stonecypher Road.

Corbett confirmed to Patch recently that he has agreed to act as a "liaison" for the group with the National Parks Service. "It's the same as with any constituent," he explained.

More about the Suwanee application can be found on the state website.

-- What are your thoughts about a national Historic District in Suwanee? Tell us in the comments below.

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