Athens council debates proposed Gathering Place location amidst business concerns

The Athens Planning Commission convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, primarily focusing on the proposed accessory use of a property in Downtown Athens. The meeting highlighted concerns from local business owners regarding the potential impact of this use on property values and the overall aesthetic of the area.

The discussion began with a business owner expressing disappointment over the proposed accessory use, questioning the logic of placing it on a busy corner frequented by students. The speaker emphasized that the accessory use could not exist without a primary use, raising concerns about the viability of the property if the primary use ceased.

Rob Delish, a resident, contributed to the conversation by acknowledging the challenges of finding an appropriate location for the proposed use. He noted that a previously considered site was rejected due to local business opposition, illustrating the "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) phenomenon. Delish urged the commission to consider the community's needs and expressed hope that the city could identify a better location in the future.

Kelly Brer, a board member of the Gathering Place, clarified that the proposal aimed to start with three units, with a maximum potential of six. She highlighted the importance of addressing community needs, even if the initial impact seemed minimal. Brer argued that starting small could demonstrate the organization's commitment to making a difference.

The commission members engaged in a dialogue about the implications of the proposal, weighing the benefits of addressing a community need against the potential drawbacks of the location. Some members expressed skepticism about whether three units would significantly alleviate the issue, suggesting that a larger facility might be more beneficial.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a careful approach to the proposal, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its effectiveness as a pilot project. The commission plans to continue discussions on this matter, seeking to balance community needs with the interests of local businesses and the overall character of Downtown Athens.