Here is the Second Street Watkinsville house that is falling in on itself

August 26, 2015

I do hope that there is some sort of amicable solution to this Memorial Baptist church sell off of this historically significant property basically across the street from the Sanctuary on Second Street or the old Kumquat Mae on Barnett Shoals. The church went on Craigslist on try and harvest whatever furnishings and or fixtures that can be salvaged.

The Watkinsville City Council was spurred on initially in their meeting July by cryptic hypothetical queries from Ashford Manor's David Shearon, which resulted in Shearon's appearance at the August City Council meeting to refute even the mere suggestion that his beloved Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast would be closing. It is not.

Shearon spoke at length at the amount of inquisition that he received at the August meeting. I am very glad that we can help urge people to attend the Labor Day concert at Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast's Concert on the Lawn series.

Nobody enjoys watching a house or porch crumble to bring down the value of the neighborhood. Let us hope the members of the church will work with the City Council for any permits necessary to begin whatever renovation or demolition or even removal of the once lovely old home.

I for one would like to see the City Council take steps to remove the rusty old trailer behind the church and the neighboring house.

As long as the Church complies with the municipal code, they can do whatever they want with the property.

I hope someone with very deep pockets would take the time and effort necessary to renovate the old home and make it grand again.

I know we cannot make that happen.