HELEN, Ga. — A near standing-room-only crowd attended the Helen City Commission’s first meeting of the new year Tuesday. The hot-button issue was a public hearing on the controversial Alpine Coaster proposed for 8409 South Main Street.

Property owner Terry Sims requested his property be rezoned from R-2 (medium density residential) to C-3 (highway commercial) for the purpose of constructing an Alpine Coaster.

Sixteen city business owners and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and White County Convention and Visitors Bureau argued that the city needs more family-friendly attractions to draw visitors to the Alpine Village.

Cindy Bailey of the White County Chamber of Commerce said Helen is the third most visited city in Georgia. “I feel like Helen needs more things that are non-alcohol related that will bring families into the city.”

Jim Carrigan said, “I think this can make the city better for those who live here and who visit here.”

While they were vastly outnumbered, opponents who live on adjoining property spoke passionately about how their lives would be impacted negatively.

Don Lee said, “This is my home. I’m not against tourism but what about those of us who live here? I don’t understand how you can let them destroy someone’s home because of a roller coaster. My property value will be cut in half.”

Debra Sanford, fought back tears to say, “This is my home. I have memories of my mother and my husband in this home. Our home is being taken away from us. I am absolutely devastated. I will have to sell my home because it’s going to be too hard to live here.”

The Commission voted unanimously, with Commissioner Fred Garmon absent, to approve the rezoning request and an accompanying conditional use permit.

In other action, the Commission elected Helen Wilkins as mayor and Jeff Ash as mayor pro tempore.

Donna K. Burke, rescinded her offer to decorate the City for fall and Christmas.