Cherokee Halts Demolition of Historic Buildings

The Cherokee County Commission on Tuesday voted to impose a 90-day moratorium on the demolition of historic buildings and structures. 

Commissioners voted unanimously in support of the proposal brought forth by District 1 Commissioner Harry Johnston. The moratorium applies only to non-residential structures in unincorporated Cherokee County on a list provided by the Cherokee County Historical Society. 

The list (which is attached) was originally generated in 1988, but was updated in 2005. 

Johnston said the "catalyst" for his proposal stems from plans by Jim Rollins of The Summit Group to demolish the old Bell's Store in the Buffington community to make way for a proposed Flash Foods gas station. 

"I know I certainly don't want that to happen," he said of the demolition. "It would be a tragedy for that to happen. I think most, if not all, members of this board agree that we would prefer that this store not be demolished."

The moratorium would give time for the commission to explore developing an ordinance that would establish a process developers would follow to demolish the historic structures.

The proposed ordinance would establish a Historic Preservation Commission, which would hear requests to demolish historic properties and issue permits. 

As part of the proposed ordinance, developers would have to wait a certain period of time — which Johnston said would ideally be up to a year — to give residents the opportunity to weigh in on plans and for developers to explore alternatives to demolishing the structures.

If no economically viable alternatives are found, developers could then proceed with plans to tear down structures. 

While Johnston said it may be "too late" to save Bell's Store as Rollins may have already acquired vested rights in the property, he hopes the moratorium could serve as a way to save other buildings in the county from this threat. 

Rollins could not be reached for comment. 

"If that building, God forbid, has to be demolished...maybe it will serve as a catalyst to...preserve others, or at least provide others with the opportunity to be preserved," Johnston said. 

District 4 Commissioner Jason Nelms agreed, noting people move to Cherokee County for its "uniqueness" and its abundance of historic properties.

Three Cherokee residents also expressed their concerns at the possibility of the old Bell's Store being demolished for the gas station. Patricia Hart, who lives in the Governor's Preserve subdivision, noted over 1,500 residents signed a petition to save the store, and to encourage Rollins to find another location for his proposal. 

The county, she added, has "very few" historic sites left, and it would be a shame to demolish the store, forcing Cherokee Market Farm Fresh Produce to find another location.

"Those of us in north Cherokee have grown to depend on it," she said of the market.

Cherokee Fresh Market owner Lisa Meyer reiterated her belief that the area does not need another gas station. She noted that while she may "not be able to save my business" and could be forced to find another location, demolishing the building would be a mistake. 

Resident Gene Carter noted he felt many communities are all too ready to trade history for "convenience," forcing younger people to live in a world without many historic buildings. 

While Carter said he'd like to drive closer to patronize a convenience store with gas sales, he noted he wouldn't want to trade that with losing Bell's Store.

"We are considering trading a diamond for a rock," he added of the proposition on the table. 

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