Developer proposes Cedar Ridge townhome project amid traffic concerns in Athens

The Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County convened for a special called and agenda-setting session on March 18, 2025, to discuss various community development projects, with a significant focus on the Cedar Ridge development proposal.

The meeting began with a presentation regarding traffic and circulation concerns related to the Cedar Ridge project. A representative indicated that a traffic study is underway but will not be completed in time for the upcoming vote. As a result, they plan to request a delay to ensure that the study's findings can be reviewed before any decisions are made. This study aims to address specific concerns about the Gaines School intersection at Ponderosa and the extension of Woody Lane.

Jared York, a local developer, spoke in favor of the Cedar Ridge project, emphasizing its potential to provide affordable housing options in the form of fee simple townhomes. He highlighted that the development would offer two-bedroom units starting in the low $300,000s and three-bedroom units in the higher $300,000s. York noted that the project would replace a neglected stretch of Gaines School Road with improved infrastructure, including sidewalks and green spaces, while also addressing stormwater management issues for neighboring properties.

Kenneth Portier, president of the Cedar Creek Civic Association, expressed concerns about the project's density, arguing that the proposed 79 dwellings on less than seven acres would significantly exceed the density of surrounding residential areas. He called for a traffic light at the intersection to enhance safety, citing the current risks posed by vehicle speeds and pedestrian access.

Another resident, Ross Watson, echoed these safety concerns, advocating for a traffic light to manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic effectively. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safe access for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly given the proximity of an emergency medical services facility at the intersection.

The meeting concluded with a call for further public input on the Cedar Ridge development, with several residents urging the commission to consider the implications of the project on traffic safety and community character. The commission is expected to deliberate on these matters in the coming weeks, with a focus on balancing development needs with community safety and quality of life.