The Athens City Council discussed what to do with the old Henderson County Memorial Hospital property (405 Lindsey Lane) in executive session Monday night.
Although the council did not take any direct action after coming out from behind closed doors, there was definitely a consensus on what direction council members wanted to take. And while the City is still leaning towards housing, Mayor Jerry Don Vaught was very clear that they weren’t talking about low-income housing.
“The City Council has spent time hearing from citizens at the previous council meeting, as well as considering the costs involved in demolishing the old hospital,” Vaught said. “We’re looking at the next steps for the property as a great opportunity to revitalize a neighborhood that has been impacted by blight there for many years.
“Citizens can rest assured that we have no interest in allowing low-income housing or low-income apartments on the old hospital property,” he continued. “Ideally, the council’s desire is to have a developer approach the City to build high quality homes since new housing is much needed in the City.”
While most of the council seemed to agree with the mayor, Councilman Tres Winn said he intended to seek out those who live in the neighborhood, who spoke to the council at their previous meeting, to get their perspective.
Being a property owner, learn more about US Florida Property Management to turn your property into an income-producing rental unit.
— Michael V. Hannigan