[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,73,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6092014,"mediaKeyId","2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f","parentId",2856865,"title","Votes at a glance: key outcomes from the April 1 Athens-Clarke County meeting","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3038724,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f&start=3038&end=3038","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f/thumbnail_3038724.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6092014/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-key-outcomes-from-the-April-1-Athens-Clarke-County-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092014-dfc35917e495dd02919fa9e147cb6d19/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172816&Signature=aKRbglEOckJ0JyF-ndJZowf9DfebiRG~rQRrNGHXwZLILp-hYQc4LFdO8Y6ZkCxqvQJEWe35Mk-EsORSPoetHeWwhcyRILo9344kGn4F2ypKQOBv7BGqa7SYlqxfo9fV5ekYn0KrqFymJpMYSkz3iGGkkswXpxMbSqznrfYYRP5zm4dt37BfqERslT1CY69KWQsjXTBlMcv5hEokDp5kv7gGSNi9wQcsaBvWg7OVqpCJIIB4NNlOsIwPq0k--tq9-uU4rDu-SyTi4Mt9bSf~5ZtKBJLto8wVgJxVLgRIQolLxYWxaHNuVDvDCg8ReojGAzHHnOb1D1Ckj0pR7BJBSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-02T03:10:41Z","article","This quick reference lists the formal actions recorded during the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission meeting on April 1, 2025.

- Consent agenda (items 1–16, with item 11 removed for discussion): Adopted by voice vote. Several consent ordinances were read into the record: changes to special events code, FAA/GDOT grant funding for an ARFF vehicle (aircraft rescue and firefighting), budget amendments for previously approved scope of work, and a Georgia DNR LWCF grant application for Princeton Mill property acquisition/development.

- Item 17 — 475 North Church Street (short-term rental, special use in RM‑1): Motion to approve the Planning Commission’s unanimous recommendation; approved by voice vote during the meeting.

- Item 18 — 450 & 460 Gaines School Road (future land-use map amendment and rezoning): Both the future land-use map amendment and the rezoning were placed on a 40‑day hold to allow completion of a traffic study and staff review.

- Item 19 — Western Downtown Historic District (Say Building appeal): Commission considered options and, after a roll-call, approved staff option(s) (recorded roll-call tally: 7–3). The item followed prior review by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission and a 90‑day demolition review.

- Item 20 — 222 Full Road (future land use and rezoning for 1055 Full Road): Future land-use amendment and rezoning ordinance approved by the commission (motions and voice/roll-call as recorded on the agenda).

- Item 21 — CHARM processing and recycling funding: Ordinance to amend FY2025 budget to provide funding for CHARM processing and recycling — approved by the commission.

- Item 22 — SR‑10 / West Hancock Avenue intersection improvements: The commission discussed right‑of‑way and easement acquisitions and a resolution authorizing condemnation and conveyance of rights-of-way to the Georgia Department of Transportation. After initial questions about new language provided at the meeting, the commission voted to reconsider and held the item for one week to allow review and potential on-site follow-up.

- Item 23 — Georgia Accountability Court funding program grants: Approved; commission supported the grant award.

- Item 24 — Unexpended revolving loan funds: Motion to return unexpended funds to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs approved.

- Item 25 — Resolution to address racial inequities: Adopted by roll call (8 yes, 2 no). See full article for context and follow-up directions to staff and the Legislative Review Committee.

- Item 26 — TSPLOST (electrify the fleet, light vehicles & supporting equipment): Commission approved a subproject purchase under an existing TSPLOST authorization to electrify light vehicles and supporting equipment; several commissioners recorded opposition in voice/roll-call remarks but the motion carried as recorded in the minutes.

- Item 27 — Bond ordinance approving issuance of Series 2025 water and sewer revenue refunding bonds: Ordinance authorizing refunding bonds was read and approved by the commission.

Why this matters: The votes include a mix of land-use decisions, budget and grant decisions, a locally significant historic‑district ruling and a county-level policy resolution with an explicit budget commitment clause. Several items were delayed to permit additional technical review or legal consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04-01-2025 Mayor & Commission Special Called & Regular Session","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken at the April 1 meeting, including votes on consent items, ordinances, rezoning and funding measures. For items where the transcript recorded a formal roll-call vote, tallies are shown; for others the clerk recorded unanimous or voice results.","taxTitle","Athens, Clarke County, Georgia","taxId",9780,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":74,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":75,"_41":76,"_43":77,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6092019,"Commission adopts resolution to address racial inequities; supporters press for enforceable ordinances",1362,9369431,10732335,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f&start=9369&end=10732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f/thumbnail_9369431.jpg","/articles/6092019/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-adopts-resolution-to-address-racial-inequities-supporters-press-for-enforceable-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092019-c4407e5e2188fcd9b92543849b68215c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172816&Signature=FP29fmr~H0U1XXbwgAuIZRS84T8MfPSMDkXbBUJrFWm~x4lsP5OI2joxf5d57-DxThiCAxzt1V1PFp1ysHUKVcrksaBwOqWrKLMfBd4IehDWDX~6HZvzLTMSlDTolnf0nHO4A675y7DFxSep5YrfQmfiQVRbhxk~MX9HYnWSXPYQNLvJvTVElCJOJK03qJNq3BBkVPw64gRSD3XkII73o8wx76JO1I6it-Qaw36a30wjEpBs5A7wbfV~W~5IndM5iBuZ8XsFrPRyrkl8IarovQkyrRi59T3twhLa34WPbru9hfPB8gbtTzazQT8IoXH8ysbQxImLnVUXubo-Aaqp9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On April 1 the Athens-Clarke County Commission adopted a resolution that lays out actions and commitments designed to address racial inequities in housing, economic empowerment for minority‑owned businesses, and youth safety and development. The measure passed after robust debate and public testimony.

Supporters in the audience — including community organizations and clergy — framed the measure as a needed reaffirmation of local priorities and a guide for subsequent ordinance drafting and budget allocations. “This resolution was never meant to divide or to replace ordinances. It was intended to spark them specifically in housing, youth safety, and economic equity for Black business owners,” said Moca Jasmine Johnson of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement.

Speakers urged commissioners to convert the resolution’s goals into enforceable ordinances and to identify dedicated funding. Several called for a short timeline: AADM and allied groups asked commissioners to draft and pass ordinances within 60 days, or to commit to a concrete process and schedule for doing so. Others expressed concern that a resolution alone — without ordinance language or line‑item budget commitments — would be symbolic rather than structural.

Commissioner Davenport moved adoption of the resolution and asked that the commission send future community-originated resolutions to the Legislative Review Committee (LRC) for a vetting process before consideration. Commissioner Link seconded. After extended debate — in which some commissioners reiterated the need for ordinance-level action and others raised procedural questions — the commission recorded the motion as approved in roll call by 8 yes and 2 no votes.

Text included in the resolution directs the unified government to prioritize three areas — housing security, economic empowerment for minority-owned businesses, and youth safety and development — and contains a clause asking that the county “dedicate a portion of its annual budget to these initiatives,” language supporters highlighted as a commitment point.

Why it matters: Local governments increasingly use resolutions as frameworks for policy; community groups emphasized that commitments must be translated into enforceable ordinances and funded programs to produce measurable change.

What’s next: The commission approved a process suggestion to route community-drafted resolutions to LRC for review and asked staff and community partners to develop ordinance language and budget proposals to implement the resolution’s priorities.","The commission voted to adopt a resolution recommitting the unified government to measures aimed at narrowing racial inequities in housing, economic empowerment and youth safety. Supporters urged the body to follow the resolution with binding ordinances and dedicated budget allocations.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6092024,"Commission places Gaines School Road rezoning on 40-day hold after traffic, drainage and scale concerns",377,3497190,3875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f&start=3497&end=3875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f/thumbnail_3497190.jpg","/articles/6092024/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-places-Gaines-School-Road-rezoning-on-40-day-hold-after-traffic-drainage-and-scale-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092024-680ff3c368be675112ac4c29ea61cabc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172816&Signature=oJ2FkJdzQrmIwJGhLOJoQr1aCdjEmlu9KVfN2VDN-Ql07dlCH8WyZohUi2dYm6uTbNZZhSqPc0EASLj~B-Ka-ffMf~bfwNtUCB0XGPgDcvtdaL5CorShrfhNePTJcedS2SL0cJCEBA648S~NGn1m9Wjytn19Q-rSWObi5w3ZIqpLpe2GTK-Qanmk9TzlrNjPfWd3Jr2FMlzKpqboers6QQRNCrEZrL2b0Df3Qk3rrOBzu92wAUx2Uwm9elE0vxwCZQuvXkbiLlt~ectS9J8GzAlCX58xe6b8qzPLKY-oWTHbwAjOOnMnfGYcuwYkc-mwpNed3gCEdYy2ES1hTlSozQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Athens-Clarke County commissioners on April 1 voted to place a proposed mixed-density rezoning and future land-use change for 450 and 460 Gaines School Road on a 40‑day hold to allow a traffic study and additional review of stormwater and site design issues.

The project, proposed as a planned development (PD) combining neighborhood‑scale commercial frontage and mixed-density residential (RM‑2) on roughly 7–8 acres, drew public comment on multiple topics: vehicle speeds and safety at the Ponderosa Drive/Gaines School Road intersection, downstream stormwater and drainage, building height and setbacks, proposed accessory dwelling units and the proposed two‑foot commercial buffer.

Buck Bacon, a project engineer representing the applicant, told commissioners the team has secured easements needed to address drainage with neighbors and asked for a 40‑day hold while the developer completes a traffic study and staff has time to review it. “We would like to ask this body to place a maximum 40‑day hold while we complete the study, allow staff to review it, allow us to share it with the public and this body,” Bacon said.

Neighbors and neighborhood leaders pressed for the hold to ensure thorough review. Ken Portier, president of the Cedar Creek Civic Association, said the intersection study was “long overdue” given growth along the corridor and noted school traffic patterns that could affect peak-period counts. Others raised concerns about the proposed density relative to surrounding RS‑15 lots, the adequacy of the 2‑foot landscaped buffer in front of commercial frontage, and the visibility and safety at existing Cedar Creek and Ponderosa intersections.

Commissioner Taylor made the motion to hold (seconded by Commissioner Davenport). After discussion on process and community concerns, commissioners voted to hold both the future land-use map amendment and the rezoning ordinance for up to 40 days so the traffic work can be completed and shared with staff and the public.

Why it matters: The project is sited in a corridor adjacent to schools and established neighborhoods; a traffic signal, intersection redesign, or other safety measures could have long-term implications for travel, school access and emergency response. Neighbors asked for a careful study to avoid putting new development into an already constrained drainage and circulation area.

What’s next: Staff and the applicant will complete the traffic study, produce materials for staff review, and present the results to the public and the commission during the hold period; the rezoning and future land-use items will return to the commission following that review.","A developer-requested mixed-density plan for 450–460 Gaines School Road was put on a 40‑day hold so staff, the developer and neighbors can complete a traffic study and review stormwater easements after robust public comment about scale, drainage and the developer’s proposed setbacks.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6092030,"Commission moves on Say Building appeal after hours of advocacy for preservation",2651,3123545,5774980,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f&start=3123&end=5774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f/thumbnail_3123545.jpg","/articles/6092030/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-moves-on-Say-Building-appeal-after-hours-of-advocacy-for-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092030-e2d558da768761018f706d643b4d3928/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172816&Signature=EvfIso8SAat3UcCbhIs9S68mt2Cva~hV8FFUPWjX~FMEZP73gTUUlcqbsrvDr1x5Cd0RXiZzhkuscMXlWGEYm7Hrs8JUsGgHrUA71djoTuqTksPZMLTI2b3tSqCvvdvsTfysECdv0Gls-8tCuNDrR61jbEv~T1RtkW6kbm7qRp03P7AbjastqKGtC2Z2uDcrYn2bgVqeosTIDOezjA2W76dEc2Ljn9NbzJc5xGWxvDDST9Ugx~1iThywT4oz~JYS54CPO8ke7vXCYedgeMEEQDkpckBpSYqYbl5SNInFrvQj-X23ttotiZWtPahUjoE5srkm1WbHpaYAdyPTvYTDnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After more than two hours of public testimony on April 1, the Athens-Clarke County Commission considered an appeal tied to the West Downtown Historic District and the future of the Say Building, a nearly century-old commercial structure near Hancock Avenue and downtown landmarks.

Scores of residents, preservation advocates and local architects urged the commission to maintain the building’s protection inside the West Downtown Historic District. Speakers described the building as historically and architecturally significant, highlighted rehabilitation proposals and warned that allowing demolition for a surface parking lot would set a damaging precedent for downtown preservation.

“Carving out the Say to destroy it undermines the future of this historic district and every historic district in Athens,” said John Jefferson, a downtown property owner. Scott Nesbitt, who teaches preservation planning at the University of Georgia, told commissioners that the county’s comprehensive plan and long-standing planning policy favor infill and structures that preserve walkable downtown character rather than surface parking.

First United Methodist Church, which owns the Say Building, has argued it needs parking and has pursued a demolition permit. Commissioners and staff described a lengthy administrative and legal history: a demolition application triggered a public pause and a subsequent historic-district study; the West Downtown Historic District was adopted after a process that included public hearings and appeals. Appointed citizen boards — which include the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission — reviewed the matter and, according to multiple speakers, either rejected the proposed boundary change or asked for more study.

At the commission’s business meeting, Commissioner Wright moved to accept what staff labeled options 1A and 1B regarding the appeal and the district boundary. A substitute motion to hold the item for a cycle was defeated in a roll-call vote. Recorded roll-call votes on the Wright motion were read by the clerk; the chair recorded the vote as seven commissioners in favor and three opposed. The commission’s action follows a process of board review and a 90‑day demolition review that had been applied to the property when the demolition permit was requested.

Why it matters: Preservation decisions shape downtown development patterns and affect economic redevelopment, tourism and property-tax base. Supporters argued the Say Building could be adaptively reused and produce downtown economic activity; opponents — led by the building’s owner — argued demolition would enable needed parking for the church and its campus.

What’s next: Commissioners said they expect additional review of legal and development options. Preservation advocates urged the commission to continue seeking buyers and reuse proposals and to work with the church on alternatives to a parking lot.","After extensive public testimony, commissioners voted on whether to modify the West Downtown Historic District boundary tied to the Say Building. The item drew large public turnout, dozens of speakers and sharply divided views over preservation, reuse and a church’s demolition proposal.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6092035,"Athens-Clarke commissioners keep local control of elections board after public input",315,389210,704990,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f&start=389&end=704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2856865-edca370a2ffdc64d3b87b3fc9032993f/thumbnail_389210.jpg","/articles/6092035/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Athens-Clarke-commissioners-keep-local-control-of-elections-board-after-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092035-be7eaa35d0d9defc1053f8535b3b075d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172816&Signature=X7cAHUAzuLihn-mttHgZ1sURvO0Xz2qZ6ILWdWtCtUl6E7SBlVhN0nRzqehVn-xiB3o3lub5yYeWrpgws3DH7mDbChFdoDweCVcHKw8QJ0UFWKGGbLfBZQxih4qUy2ACNEm15QMD37uNZeVtHx4CjQXgmKelRLh9MjZ08MqR2pD5t6x3ISK~RjmN~1r9~d064KPeWvMr2ufiiYoR4Hp367~9w9Rlhp~f8AfFqBBTeabmvbFIf7LHwm1gkLt2RASnrDNg-9wm2xgRceEmGyPnMkkMhBjMN3bpSxsRmlD~3RoRqUv~L~m2LlWaF8YU4Mx7p1MPtsSi0Z3OOQNu4Wo9rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Athens-Clarke County commissioners on April 1 approved a resolution to maintain the county's present process for appointing members to the Clarke County Board of Elections, voting 8–2 during a special-called session.

The vote came after extensive public comment in a packed meeting room. Dozens of residents urged the commission to preserve local appointment authority and resist recently introduced state House bills — identified by speakers as HB 851 and HB 852 — that would give superior court judges a greater role in appointing local election board members.

Supporters said county election officials and the appointed board have handled recent elections professionally and that local control helps preserve voting access. “I’ve watched our election department staff, the paid employees, and the changing members of our board of election,” said Jacqueline Elsner, identified as a long-time local board observer. “They treat one another and the staff with great courtesy and respect. We just have a stellar situation on our hands.”

Opponents said the current appointments process can favor partisanship. Resident Larry Jordan told commissioners the county’s appointed board is imbalanced by party and warned against allowing elected officials to name election overseers: “Letting elected officials determine who sits on the board of elections is like the fox in the hen house,” Jordan said.

Commission discussion emphasized both the need for timely notice of legislative proposals and a defense of local control. Commissioner Link argued the change proposed in the House bills would amount to outside interference in local democratic control, and multiple commissioners said they learned about the measures only when they appeared in the press.

Roll call on the final motion (moved by Commissioner Link; seconded by Commissioner Taylor) returned the following recorded votes: Link — yes; Taylor — yes; Wright — yes; Fisher — yes; Johnson — yes; Culpepper — no; Myers — yes; Thornton — no; Hamby — yes; Davenport — yes. The clerk recorded the tally as 8 yes, 2 no. The resolution directs county leadership to communicate the county’s position to state legislators and to continue public engagement on any future proposals affecting local election administration.

Why it matters: The change would have shifted appointment authority away from locally elected officials and toward superior court judges; speakers and commissioners framed the vote as a defense of local oversight over election administration and of local input on access policies and language assistance.","The commission voted 8–2 on April 1 to approve a resolution preserving the county's current appointments process for the Clarke County Board of Elections, rejecting proposed House bills that would shift appointment authority. The vote followed more than an hour of public comment, largely in favor of keeping local control.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key outcomes from the April 1 Athens-Clarke County meeting

Commission adopts resolution to address racial inequities; supporters press for enforceable ordinances

Commission places Gaines School Road rezoning on 40-day hold after traffic, drainage and scale concerns

Commission moves on Say Building appeal after hours of advocacy for preservation

Athens-Clarke commissioners keep local control of elections board after public input