Council approves first reading of downtown historic overlay ordinance amid concerns about colleges and churches

The Athens City Council approved first reading of Ordinance 1136 Tuesday, establishing an H2 Historic Overlay District covering downtown Athens by a 3-1 vote.

Ordinance 1136 would amend the Athens Municipal Code, Title 14, Chapter 2 (zoning) to add subsection g establishing the H2 overlay, bounded by College Street, Green Street, Park Street and Hill Street, and would amend the official zoning map to attach the overlay to the described area. The measure passed first reading with votes from Council member John Dugan, Vice Mayor Curtis and Mayor Mary Eaton; Council member Pelley voted no.

During discussion, several council members and commenters asked how the overlay would affect property owners in the marked area — including concerns about Trinity Wesleyan University (referred to in the meeting as TWU) and an on‑map church. Council member Pelley said downtown property owners did not want additional restrictions; other members said the overlay followed recommendations by the historic preservation and planning commissions and could preserve contributing historic assets while opening grant opportunities tied to historic designation.

City staff told the council they had notified the college and had discussed overlay implications with campus leadership; the college president was present at the meeting, the staff said. The ordinance will return for a future public hearing and second reading as required for zoning changes.

Because this was a first reading, the ordinance does not take effect until the council completes the public hearing and second reading process and any adoption vote. Council members said the overlay aims to preserve downtown character and improve access to historic preservation funding while the city experiences development pressure.

Ordinance 1136 was introduced as part of the council’s new business and will proceed to the advertised public hearing before a final vote.