CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the donation of the Cornelia Depot Railroad Museum to the city, along with several infrastructure, planning and budget items.
Depot donation ensures long-term preservation
City leaders accepted the donation of the depot building, cabooses and an extensive collection of railroad artifacts from the Cornelia Depot Association.
City Manager Donald Anderson said the organization, formed in 1990, has raised tens of thousands of dollars to maintain and restore the historic site.
“The collection of railroad artifacts is just amazing, and the depot train museum is a catalyst for drawing visitors into downtown,” Anderson said.
Under the agreement, the city will hold the collection in trust for residents and preserve it in perpetuity while continuing to operate the museum.
Mayor John Borrow said the depot, once at risk of demolition, remains standing due to the association’s efforts.
“And because of y’all’s efforts, it’s still standing today,” Borrow said. “We’re so grateful for what you’ve done for Cornelia.”
Street renamed, festival funded
In other action, commissioners approved a resolution renaming a portion of Chattahoochee Street between Main Street and Clarkesville Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Anderson said affected property owners were notified and no objections were received.
The commission also approved a $25,000 budget amendment to help fund the Big Red Apple Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years since the monument’s unveiling.
The festival is planned for June 6 at the city’s new park and will be funded through higher-than-expected franchise fee revenues, Anderson said.
Parks plan, fiber upgrade approved
Commissioners approved a comprehensive master plan outlining long-term improvements to the city’s parks system, including upgrades to existing parks and improved pedestrian connectivity.
The city has earmarked $400,000 in SPLOST funds for the effort and plans to pursue additional grants.
The commission also approved a proposal from Trailwave to install a redundant fiber internet line at the water plant, improving reliability and enabling expanded monitoring capabilities.
Monthly report highlights projects, activity
In his monthly report, Anderson said the city has begun a feasibility study on eliminating a railroad crossing, with options including a bridge or tunnel.
He also announced a May 5 ribbon-cutting for the new park and said construction on an amphitheater could begin as early as June.
The Big Red Apple Festival has been moved to Sept. 26 to avoid a scheduling conflict, and University of Georgia students will conduct a housing study in Cornelia neighborhoods May 18-19.
Police responded to 1,087 calls in the past month, while the city’s water and wastewater plants treated more than 176 million gallons combined, Anderson reported.
