Oconee County approves zoning change for Eastside ACC library site

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant rezone request for a property located at 1030 Barnett Schlemm Road. The request involves changing the zoning designation from Residential Medium (RM) to a mixed-use classification that accommodates government facilities. This rezone is specifically intended for the construction of the Eastside Athens-Clarke County library.

The proposed site spans 6.29 acres of wooded land, currently undeveloped, situated on the western side of Barnett Shoals Road, just south of Carriage Lane and across from Cotton Creek Drive. The property is adjacent to the North Oconee Greenway, which runs along its western edge. The future land use designation for this area is mixed-density residential, which permits limited non-residential uses, such as libraries, at a neighborhood scale.

During the meeting, it was noted that the rezone request aligns with the Athens-Clarke County zoning map and is deemed appropriate for the area, given its community use surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The non-binding site plan presented includes a main library building, provisions for future expansion, 79 parking spaces, and designated areas for outdoor programming, along with pathways connecting to the greenway.

The commission's discussions highlighted the compatibility of the library project with the surrounding community and its potential benefits for local residents. Further steps will be taken to finalize the rezone request, ensuring that the development aligns with community needs and zoning regulations.