November 6th: Regular Session Commissioners Meeting

The November 6th Regular Session Commissioners meeting was covered by Faith Tucker and  Jaylee Pace. Both are first-year students and members of  the Policy Analysis Center within Arch Policy Institute. 

Zoning Request Change for Affordable Housing Development on North Avenue

During the meeting, David Ellison, a local lawyer representing Bethlehem Land Holdings, came before the commissioners during the session. Ellison sought approval for rezoning a five acre lot on North Avenue from the C-G, Commercial-general designation, to C-G PD, Commercial-General Planned Development (agenda item 7, 5:56 in the live stream). The company states that it seeks this ordinance to build a gas station that would fund the affordable housing project they are also building on the lot. 

Ellison expressed in his remarks that last month, the commissioners recommended approval for the construction of the gas station with specific stipulations, and that Bethlehem Land Holdings had accepted and planned to implement these conditions (agenda item 7, 6:32 in the live stream). He states, “everyone has been supportive” up until a previous meeting where several Athens’ residents expressed their disdain for putting another gas station along North Avenue (agenda item 5, item 4:20). After working with the planning commission for 22 months and following through on all agreements, Ellison expressed that it would be unlawful to deny their request solely because of recent public comments. 

David Ellsion argues the gas station is what is driving the funding for the project, so they must develop this site to implement the conditions (affordable housing, walkability, etc) they were asked to uphold for approval. The revenue generated from the gas station is what gave Ellison’s client the incentive to take the financial risk of building the financial housing project the commissioners’ desire. Without the gas station, Ellison argued his client would be less inclined to follow through with the project because from his estimations it would drastically increase the monetary risk. 

Commissioner Link was the first to speak on this ordinance and vouched for her support for the rezoning stating that it makes the affordable housing project financially viable. She made a motion to approve the ordinance which was seconded by Commissioner Wright. However, Commissioner Houle explained his disapproval, speaking on the adverse effects that the gas station would create for the people living in the area and the potential environmental impact. He expressed his distaste for another gas station in the area, and how he found it unnecessary. 

Commissioner Thornton replied, remarking that they must follow the policies that they previously passed, even if they see faults with them later on. She explained that everything Ellison expressed was in line with what was previously passed and agreed to and that they cannot go back on their word. She sees it as a lesson learned, and as a signal that the commissioners should reform  policy for the future instead of relying on the court now and waiting for the court to tell them otherwise. In response, Commissioner Houle agreed that they should change the code for gas stations. 

Commissioner Link then chimed in saying she supports Houle’s desire to look back at gas station code, but that this is what the regulations are now, so they must follow through. Link reinforced her previous point that this housing project would take some pressure off adjacent neighborhoods as a result of the increase in supply of affordable housing for families. After these remarks, the final ruling was to approve the rezoning with a vote of eight  for and two,  Commissioners Taylor and Houle, against. This discussion ultimately showcases the struggle in local policy over balancing concerns over economic growth to make certain changes viable with the adverse environmental and aesthetic impact it could create. 

North Avenue Corridor Improvement Plan: Public Input

At the meeting, the commission discussed various topics and listened to the public’s input on past implementations, including on the North Avenue Corridor RAISE Grant Project Concept Approval (Item #11). This grant aims to reconfigure the existing lanes, add new bicycle paths, add lighting, and correct gaps in sidewalks to reduce the amount of accidents and improve public safety (North Avenue Corridor Improvements). There have been over 450 accidents along this corridor since 2018, leading the commission to deem this reconstruction a valid use of grant money. 

However, several of the residents in the Athens-Clarke County area do not agree with the commission, and voiced their opinions at the most recent meeting. Teressa Williams, a North Avenue local, spoke to the commissioners, stating that this money should be used for more pressing issues such as inspecting the nearby bridge or for adding a small park to encourage community gatherings. She argues that there is no need for a bike lane in this area, as she has never seen anyone on Prince Avenue on a bike. Val William, another resident, supported William’s opposition for a bike lane and overall renovations, saying that it would only make traffic worse in the area.

Other citizens of Athens-Clarke County also spoke out, including Jeremy McManis, a member of TSPLOST Committee for North Avenue, who told the commission that they were not properly representing the people with these decisions. McManis argued that the lack of input was intentional, and provided that it was “time to change [this].” 

Commissioner Houle responded to these objections, stating that the transition from five lanes to four lanes would not increase traffic but instead safety. He added that he regrets that the commission did not ask for more public engagement, but that impending grant deadlines prevented them from doing so in time. 

Commissioner Thorton moved to approve the item and was seconded by Commissioner Wright. The commission mentions that as engineers further develop the project, more specifications will arise, allowing for additional discussion in future. Commissioner Link supplies that this lane reconfiguration may not resolve what she deems the main issue to be, which is the speed that drivers are going. Despite her reservations, Commissioner Link, alongside the other commissioners, aside from Commissioner Houle supports the item, passing the resolution. 

Overall the approval of this item allows for the reconstruction project to begin on North Avenue. This will result in a new bicycle lane, add additional lighting, reconfigure existing lanes, and other alterations.