Athens City Council heard lengthy and often emotional public comment Tuesday on a proposed zoning amendment (Ordinance 1-39-25) that would allow temporary shelters as a conditionally permitted use in R3 (residential) and B3 (business) zones.

Jack Stauffer, a resident, urged caution and said allowing temporary shelters could bring “huts, tents, porta johns” and related public-safety and quality-of-life concerns. “Most people are not paying attention and are unaware of this issue, but they **** sure will be if homeless encampments start popping up around town,” Stauffer told the council.

Rob Delich and Ginger Schmullenberg urged the council to consider the legal review and the Board of Zoning Appeals process already built into the ordinance and suggested peripheral siting options such as Columbus Road. Delich also noted that county-level sales-tax referenda are a common funding mechanism for larger transit and shelter programs.

Council members debated whether the ordinance already contains sufficient guardrails (sanitation requirements and discretionary review) or whether the measure should be delayed until pilot projects such as the Gathering Place and the Sunset Motel plans are implemented. Member Thomas said the ordinance includes “structure, requirements, stop gaps, and the guardrails” discussed in prior hearings; Member Swank and others urged more time for public review and suggested revisiting after pilots run.

The matter remained at second reading for further deliberation. Council allowed extended discussion under its rules and asked for clarifications about the ordinance’s language and mapping; no final vote occurred Monday night.