Planning commission recommends approval for 2415 Jefferson Road redevelopment with conditions

The Athens‑Clarke County Planning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended approval of a planned development to redevelop parts of the Homewood Hills shopping center at 2415 Jefferson Road, advancing a proposal that would add two multifamily buildings with 233 units (382 bedrooms), eight three‑bedroom townhomes, and a public plaza with an amphitheater.

Staff had recommended denial, citing concerns about sewer capacity, canopy loss, waivers to zoning standards and an overall composition that is heavily weighted toward one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments. Staff’s written report said the project was “partly compatible” with the comprehensive plan because it represents infill development, but flagged six requested waivers — including reductions in conserved canopy, block size and shared‑parking standards — and asked that the commission consider binding conditions if it were to approve the PD.

The applicant, represented by Jack Murphy of Carter, told commissioners the design had been revised in response to earlier review comments. The team said the plan steps townhouses along Magnolia Blossom Way as a buffer, concentrates retail that is viable near the existing…