Commissioners hear plan for 218 North Avenue rezone as developer pledges help relocating RV residents

Athens‑Clarke County planning staff and developers described a proposed rezone of 218 North Avenue from CN (commercial neighborhood) to RM‑3 on Jan. 23 as a detailed infill plan that would convert a family‑held vacant lot into multiple residential buildings and a central clubhouse.

Planning Director Bruce Lonnie said the parcel is shown as Main Street business on the future‑land‑use map, and both the existing CN and the proposed RM‑3 designations are compatible with that future land use. The applicant’s concept shows eight structures totaling 228 bedrooms across the site, a clubhouse amenity and roughly 218 surface parking spaces; the Planning Commission found the architecture and massing appropriate and recommended approval subject to a condition that the “architectural design intent” (massing, scale, materials and general fenestration) be binding.

Developer Chase Lawrence, who said he and his company have worked on multiple local projects and intend to keep a local team for construction and management, told the commission he believes the project can attract a broad mix of renters — students, young…