Athens-Clarke County approves special-use permit for 110 West Hancock parking lot over staff objection

Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved a special‑use permit May 6 to allow surface parking at 110 West Hancock Avenue, a parcel in the downtown design district, by an 8–2 roll‑call vote.

The Planning Department and the Planning Commission recommended denial, and Commissioner Link opened discussion noting that staff and the commission were unanimously opposed. Commissioner Link told colleagues: “Nothing has changed about this proposal from 2017, 'eighteen. There's absolutely no reason to approve this.” Despite that, commissioners moved forward and the motion carried 8–2 after a formal roll call.

Attorney Drake read an ordinance amending the county code to permit special‑use approval for parking in the downtown design area for the parcel. Proponents including an engineer who called the plan “a beautification” of the lot described a design with new sidewalks, a handicap ramp, 13 new trees and landscaping; they asked the commission to approve 12 new parking spaces and two accessible spaces. Public testimony on this item was limited and proponents said the project follows an engineering plat prepared for the owners.

Commissioners who opposed the permit emphasized conformance with long‑range planning documents and the county’s policies for the downtown design area. Commissioners who voted yes did not offer extended floor remarks before the roll call. The ordinance authorizing the special use passed with eight yes votes and two no votes.

The commission did not adopt any amendments or binding site plan conditions at the meeting; approval was for the special‑use permit as presented.