Bethlehem Council Approves New Business Licenses, Land Purchases

• Who met: Bethlehem Town Council
• Date: Monday, July 11, 2011
• Location:
• Who was present: Mayor Sandy McNab; council members Tommy Parten, Larry Jones, Scott H. Morgan and Tommy Buchanan; town attorney Ron Bennett; town clerk Kathy Bridges
• Top agenda items:

1. Pioneer Lighting Inc., owned by Shellie and Todd Schlenz, was approved for a business license. Located in Lawrenceville since 2003, the lighting showroom was recently forced to downsize because of the economy. The store will be located at 799 Christmas Ave. and is online at www.pioneerlighting.net. "We're glad to see businesses come to Bethlehem. That's what we're trying to do is go toward Target," Mayor Sandy McNab said. 

2. Ricky and Lindsey Brown were approved for a business license for The Judson House, on the stipulation that they fix problems with the driveway. The coffeehouse and gift shop will be located at 812 Christmas Ave. The driveway will need to be raised to meet the road at a less steep angle. The council had approved a previous business license seven years ago with the promise the driveway would be fixed and only agreed to release the Brown's license when they receive word from the DOT that the problem is fixed. Information on the business can be found at www.judsonhouse.net.

3. Mary Koestel, owner of Cottontail Cottage, is retiring, and she discussed plans with the council to transfer her lease to employee Virginia Leathers and allow her to continue the business. Leathers has worked there for several years and wants to change the name but keep most aspects of the business. According to Koestel, all venders are willing to stay through the transition. The council came to a consensus that the town will transfer the lease to Leathers. 

4. The council approved expenses for three land purchases for the right of way for the intersection at Ga Highway 11 and Carl-Bethlehem Road. Chang Real Estate Inc. will receive $15,000 for land acquired. Mason and Shirley Orr will receive $3,244, and Charles Harrison will receive $20,000. The town also agreed to pay McFarland-Dyer & Associates Inc. an additional $3,315 for the second phase of property acquisition for Bethlehem. All permits have been approved by the Department of Transportation, and advertising release of bid on the intersection is expected to begin next week. 

5. The council discussed plans for the outdoor stage and inflatables for the town's Oct. 8 festival. Construction on the intersection is expected to have started by this time. The council agreed the festival should still take place but things may need to be shifted. Several council members offered trailers to be used instead of renting a stage in an effort to help save the town money. The council agreed to rent inflatables as they did last year, as they were a great draw and could be easily seen by passing cars.