Commission approves Barnett Shoals mixed‑use plan after heated debate over affordability

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission on March 4 approved a major amendment and expansion of the Barnett Shoals commercial neighborhood planned development (CNPD), rezoning roughly 90.22 acres for mixed residential and commercial uses and adding conditions on electric-vehicle charging and other design elements. The measure passed on a roll-call vote, 7–2.

The approved plan covers multiple parcels on Barnett Shoals Road, Lakewood Drive and Parkridge Court and includes single‑family, “missing‑middle” housing types, one‑bedroom units, mixed‑use commercial space along Barnett Shoals and connectivity measures such as trails and raised pedestrian crossings. The commission approved a commission‑to‑find option that sets conditions for the developer’s planned development.

Developer representatives described the plan as a walkable, mixed‑use neighborhood that increases housing supply and provides green space and trail access. “It provides alternative transportation and a mix of diverse housing types and improves interconnectedness,” said Scott Haines of WA Engineering, presenting on the developer’s behalf. Jake Strickland, lead developer, thanked commissioners for engagement and noted staff and commissioners had worked with the team to refine the plan.

Supporters, including neighborhood and civic leaders, praised the development’s design and public‑realm features. Kent Middleton, representing neighborhood interests on the East Side, said the project offered “a variety of housing … mixed use commercial, green space, trail access” and described it as compatible with the comprehensive plan.

Opposition and unease focused on affordability and whether the project would benefit existing lower‑income residents. Commissioner Taylor, voting no, said the commission’s work on housing often produces market‑rate units while failing to deliver sufficient homes that low‑ and moderate‑income residents can afford. “I didn’t hear anything about the people,” Taylor said, arguing the approval favored higher‑income newcomers over long‑time neighbors.

Commissioner Myers, who moved approval of the commission‑to‑find option, described the vote as an effort to blend design, sustainability and transportation improvements. Myers noted the approved conditions expanded earlier requirements to include EV charging infrastructure and reiterated the development’s traffic‑calming elements — raised crosswalks, narrower lanes and tree plantings.

Commission discussion addressed long‑standing local concerns about affordable housing. Several commissioners said the county has recently boosted spending and programs to address affordability, including SPLOST allocations and partnership funding, and called for a work session to align policy and funding with housing goals.

Roll‑call vote (motion to approve commission‑to‑find option): Commissioner Myers — yes; Commissioner Thornton — yes; Commissioner Hamby — yes; Commissioner Davenport — yes; Commissioner Link — yes; Commissioner Taylor — no; Commissioner Wright — yes; Commissioner Fisher — yes; Commissioner Johnson — no. The motion carried 7–2.

Ending — The approved CNPD expansion moves the Barnett Shoals parcels forward as a multi‑phased mixed‑use project intended to add housing and public‑realm improvements. Commissioners who opposed the plan called for stronger, immediate mechanisms to ensure affordability for existing residents; commissioners in favor pointed to added sustainability and design conditions and signaled further policy work on housing would continue.