Developers seek 50% density increase on Puritan Lane; planning commission recommends denial amid canopy and compatibility concerns

Developers asked the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission to approve a planned development and rezone that would consolidate nine parcels into a roughly 9.5-acre site on Puritan Lane and Macon Highway, allow an increase in density from RM1 (16 beds per acre) to RM2 (24 beds per acre), and permit construction of 70 townhouse-style units.

Bruce (planning staff) told commissioners the project would also require abandonment of a short segment of Puritan Lane and a waiver of a local requirement for 25% conserved tree canopy down to 17%. He said the project includes an access easement to allow leisure services and utility staff to reach Barber Creek parkland and sewer infrastructure, and that the developer has proposed five parking spaces linked to that access. Staff and the Planning Commission both recommended denial: staff found the public benefits modest and said the project is only partially compatible with the 2023 comprehensive plan and the future…