BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL) — History is saved in Bainbridge, but not everyone is happy about it!
The historic preservation committee voted to save three homes that have stood the test of time.
First Baptist Church In Bainbridge owns the all property that was voted on Tuesday night.
The homes are on Shotwell Drive and were built in the early 1900's
Because they wanted to tear down houses and make way for the future of their congregation.
A disappointing outcome for the First Baptist Church in Bainbridge.
"I think they had their minds made up before we even got here," Charles Tyson, Chair of board of Trustees.
Three historical houses get a new lease on life after the Historic Preservation Committee denied the church's request to demolish them.
People in the community, like John Dodd, say these homes mean too much to the city's history to destroy.
"You can't replace the history, you can't replace the house. So we don't want to see it gone," said John Dodd.
First Baptist Church owns the property. It was donated to them in 2007 by a church member.
At the time the church did not know it was in the Historic District.
They tell ABC 27, they want and need the land.
" For the young people and for the children. We need to have a playground for them so we can minister to them," said Tyson.
The church is not willing to sell the property.
Dodd proposed a compromise that he says would give the church more land and save the historical homes...
"I think we offered them a pretty good compromise I'm not sure why they wont take it. But at some point in time we're going to have to do something because this has been going on for quite a while," said Dodd.
But the church did not accept. The church says even though the committee did not vote in their favor they respect their decision.
"I think these people are doing a great job for the community. They voted their convictions and we made our best shot," said Tyson.
At this time the church has no plans to do anything with the houses. They are looking to appeal this at the next Historic Preservation Committee meeting.
