A company that provides substance abuse and mental healthcare is considering the purchase of a former events center in Kingston. White Columns first used for weddings and later as a religious retreat is in bankruptcy. According to the website RK Consultants, on December 29, 2023, White Columns at Howard Street, Kingston, filed for Chapter 11 protection in the Northern District of Georgia. The debtor reports assets of one million to ten million dollars and liabilities of the same amount.
A motion has been made to sell the property to Evoraa Holdings. The company has locations in Tennessee and Georgia. They treat drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, and mental health disorders.
Some residents have questioned this development and the location of a facility of this type in a residential area. Residents are also questioning the process. WBHF spoke with Kingston’s attorney Brandon Bowen. He says the change must be advertised and adjoining property owners notified; the planning commission must meet and make a recommendation. City Council members will meet and vote on the recommendation.
A Facebook post titled Town Hall Meeting has been scheduled for October 9th from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. for questions and answers. City officials say Kingston is not affiliated with this event.