CORNELIA — A proposed shift toward allowing short-term rentals sparked a lengthy and passionate public discussion during Tuesday night’s Cornelia City Commission meeting, with residents voicing strong concerns about neighborhood impacts while one local business owner urged officials to consider the economic upside.
City leaders stressed that no vote is imminent and that discussions remain in the early stages.
Centennial Plans and City Updates
The meeting began with routine business before City Manager Dee Anderson delivered his monthly report, highlighting infrastructure upgrades, public safety activity, and preparations for the Big Red Apple Centennial Celebration.
The June 6 event will feature a full day of activities, including a parade, live music, and a rededication of the landmark that evening.
During public comment, Habersham History president Peter Madruga, provided an update on the upcoming documentary tied to the centennial.
“We are 30 days away from the 100th anniversary of the Big Red Apple,” Madruga said. “We’re wrapping up the documentary and we’re excited showing it after the unveiling.”
He also asked the city to more prominently promote the 7 p.m. unveiling time as part of the day’s schedule.
Neighborhood Concerns Dominate Public Forum
Much of the evening centered on a proposed short-term rental property in the Tower Mountain area, where residents expressed concerns about preserving the character of their neighborhood.
Hope Murray said the area has long been defined by stable, single-family living.
“For more than 60 years, this subdivision has remained a stable, single-family community because people live here and are invested in making it their home,” Murray said.
Residents cited concerns including increased traffic, noise, safety, and the potential for frequent turnover of unfamiliar visitors.
Sonja Crawford said short-term rentals in other parts of Northeast Georgia are typically located in tourist or rural settings—not residential neighborhoods.
“Make no mistake, they are not in a subdivision. They are not in a community,” Crawford said.
Others shared personal experiences with rental properties, including incidents involving disruptive behavior and safety concerns.
Cauthen Proposes Pilot Program, Emphasizes Economic Benefits
The property owner at the center of the discussion, Marisol Cauthen, told commissioners she has already paused short-term rental activity at the property and is currently using it as a temporary long-term rental.
“I immediately shut down the Airbnb… that should not be a concern for people living on Highland,” she said.
Cauthen proposed a structured, 12-month pilot program that would allow a limited number of short-term rentals citywide, with restrictions including local ownership, occupancy limits, and enforcement measures.
“This is a low-risk way to make data-driven decisions that support both the community and local businesses,” she said.
In an interview following the meeting, Marisol said her support for short-term rentals is rooted in economic development, particularly in downtown Cornelia.
“For me, it was more I was fighting for the business owners in downtown Cornelia,” Marisol said. “Short-term rentals… provide that lodging and that access to restaurants just minutes away instead of a 15- to 30-minute drive.”
She added that her vision extends beyond individual neighborhoods and focuses on creating a more vibrant downtown experience.
“It’s more about downtown Cornelia… even apartments upstairs or a bed-and-breakfast feel, where people can stay and spend locally,” she said.
Additional Issues Raised
Several residents used the public forum to raise other community concerns.
Amy Fane requested a pedestrian-activated crossing signal near the city park to improve safety for visually impaired residents.
“This isn’t just about my mother… the lack of a designated high-visibility crossing creates a barrier,” Fane said.
Audrey Davenport called for updates to signage at Jim Smith Park to better reflect local African American history and announced a planned mural project.
No Immediate Action Planned
City officials reiterated that the conversation around short-term rentals is still preliminary and part of gathering community input.
“The only reason we’re having this conversation is because we’ve had some property owners asking, ‘Hey, would you consider this?’” a city official said.
Any future policy would require ordinance changes, including public hearings and a formal vote.
Other Business
In other action, commissioners:
- Approved a zoning ordinance amendment related to annexation procedures
- Lifted a temporary moratorium on annexation applications
- Approved annual funding for Level Grove Cemetery maintenance
- Awarded the amphitheater construction contract to Charles Black Construction
The meeting adjourned without any decisions regarding short-term rentals.
