The Athens‑Clarke County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Tuesday for a rezone and nonbinding plan at 1280 Oconee Street and Ann Street that will replace an underused commercial parcel with mixed‑use infill including two commercial buildings, six duplexes and one single detached unit.

Planning staff described the site as a well‑connected infill location near the Firefly Trail and Greenway; Mark (planning staff) told the commission the design balances proximity to town with pedestrian and bicycle connections while noting that on‑site access and sewer connections will require work before final permitting. Staff recommended approval, subject to conditions.

The applicant, Brett Nade of Studio DNA, said the design aims to create ‘‘a little pocket neighborhood’’ with modest retail in front and residential behind. He said the project will include porches, transparency and landscaping intended to fit the street‑facing context.

Public comments included a neighboring property owner who asked for yellow curb markings on Anne Street to preserve emergency access; the applicant agreed to coordinate with Transportation and Public Works. Several commissioners pressed the applicant on the proposed conserved canopy waiver, stormwater and the details of a retaining wall and access to Anne Street.

Commissioner Sarah Gehring moved to approve the rezone with a condition that the applicant provide a sanitary sewer connection to serve the new structure as approved by Athens‑Clarke County utilities; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. The recorded roll call in the meeting record for the approval reads Beresford: yes; Gehring: yes; Pass: yes; Sams: yes; Anders/Lord: yes (motion carried unanimously). Staff will require the applicant to deliver the sewer connection to the property line or obtain an alternate approved method before building permits are issued.

Staff also noted the development will require a conservation canopy plan and coordination with the county arborist during plan review; the applicant said he has discussed canopy matters with the arborist and expects to meet arboricultural standards in plans review.

The nonbinding site plan will return during master plan and building permit review with detailed stormwater, grading and building design documents for technical review.