Athens County members oppose student housing on county-owned downtown property

The Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County convened on May 20, 2025, for a budget hearing and agenda-setting session focused on significant housing developments and community benefits. The meeting highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the redevelopment of county-owned properties, particularly in downtown Athens.

The session began with a strong stance from a commissioner who expressed opposition to using county-owned land for student housing. The commissioner emphasized the need for housing that serves local residents rather than transient student populations. They pointed to the North Downtown project as a model for beneficial development, advocating for senior housing instead. The commissioner argued that while the proposed development could bring some public benefits, such as sewer payments and inclusionary zoning participation, the long-term value of affordable housing far outweighs immediate financial gains.

Michael Smith, another speaker, raised concerns about the lack of enforceable community benefit agreements in recent housing developments. He urged the commission to use the Georgia Square Mall project as a benchmark for negotiating real community benefits. Smith also called for the establishment of a displacement fund to support residents who may be affected by new market-rate housing developments, stressing the importance of balancing new construction with affordable housing needs.

Scott Haines, representing W&A Engineering, spoke in favor of the Winslow Park PD amendment, acknowledging the project's potential to address housing issues while also supporting the need for public engagement and transparency. He noted that the development team would participate in an upcoming public meeting to answer community questions.

The commission's discussion also included a review of a residential development project on Atlanta Highway and Beddcuk Road. Commissioner Johnson reiterated her commitment to prioritizing community needs over political pressures, stating that she had taken the time to gather information and engage with residents before forming an opinion on the project.

As the meeting concluded, the commission recognized the importance of community input in shaping housing developments and the need for careful consideration of how county-owned properties are utilized. The discussions underscored a collective desire to ensure that new developments align with the long-term interests of Athens residents. The commission plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.