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Commissioners sign off on College Square schematic details; financing plan includes ATDA-backed loan
Summary
Commissioners reviewed schematic designs for the College Square public plaza, discussed materials, seating, shade and financing, and heard staff say the project will be financed in part through a conventional loan backed by future downtown parking revenues and an ATDA loan mechanism.
Athens-Clarke County commissioners reviewed the schematic design and initial financing approach for the College Square public plaza during the April 8 work session, raising questions about seating, paving materials, shade and how the project will be financed.
Designers said the schematic phase is about 50% complete and includes a mix of benches, tables (with and without umbrellas), and fixed and movable seating concentrated near edges that will provide shade. Planners and several commissioners discussed the decision to use brick pavers rather than concrete in most of the plaza and whether bricks would be smooth and light enough for roller-skating, scooters and other wheeled activities.
“I’d like to see some more smooth pavement at least in some central area,” Commissioner Melissa (last name not specified) said, noting concerns about pavers’ suitability for wheeled activities and heat absorption. Project staff said the selected brick pavers would be smooth, locked in place with restrained edges and a mix of lighter pavers in roughly 30% of the plaza to reduce heat absorption; shade sails were proposed to provide early shade before trees mature.
Commissioners also raised process questions about the citizen SPLOST user group for the project; staff said per the SPLOST process the county manager formally names user groups and that they would confirm invitations and website updates so named residents know whether they have been contacted.
On financing, staff said the intent is to pursue a conventional loan backed by future downtown parking revenues and described the loan as an “ATDA loan,” referencing the Athens Downtown Development Authority mechanism. Staff noted the completed Washington Street parking deck will soon be paid off, which can be rolled into the financing plan, and that the recommended procurement and award dates are laid out in the schematic packet.
Commissioners did not adopt final design details at the work session. Staff said the project will proceed through the remaining design phases, refine seating and pavement specs, coordinate SPLOST user-group membership with the manager’s office, and proceed with the procurement and financing steps described in the packet.
Ending: Staff will finalize the remaining 50% of design work, address commissioners’ feedback on paving and seating, confirm SPLOST user-group staffing and move toward procurement for construction financing.
