Planning Commission recommends rezoning for Pomeroy Road affordable housing after contested hearing (3–1)

The Athens Planning Commission on Dec. 18 recommended that City Council rezone an 8.2‑acre parcel at 0 Pomeroy Road from R‑1/R‑2 to R‑3 to allow a 50+‑unit affordable multifamily development proposed by Spire Development. The commission’s recommendation passed 3–1 after extended public comment and debate over technical and procedural questions.

Sean McMickle of Spire Development told commissioners the project would be financed with 9% housing tax credits allocated by the state and would produce workforce‑oriented affordable units. He said the development would be an elevator‑served building with a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units and that rents are targeted to households at roughly 30%–80% of area median income. McMickle cited model rent ranges for net tenant‑paid rent (one‑bedroom: about $350–$815; two‑bedroom: about $420–$1,150; three‑bedroom: about…