Athens council unanimously denies resolution supporting Arcadia Meadows housing project

Mayor Pro Tem SyTanna Freeman presided over the Feb. 23 meeting where the City Council voted unanimously to deny a resolution authorizing city support for the proposed Arcadia Meadows housing development at 440 Robbins Road.

Representatives Omar Sarig and Harrison LaHaie of Woda Cooper presented the project as a 72-unit, three-story walk-up complex with a detached clubhouse that would include a fitness center and community room. According to staff, the proposed site and basic building program were described during the presentation; the council received a written letter from Athens Independent School District that strongly objected to the city endorsing the project.

Several residents spoke during public comment in support of the development, including Anne Perryman, Chip Perryman and Cody Craig. After discussion, Councilwoman Katha Lawyer moved to deny the resolution authorizing support; Councilmember Bill Priestley seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

The council’s action denies a council resolution of support; it is not itself an approval or denial of any zoning application, building permit or other discretionary land-use approval. The developer and city staff may pursue other administrative or statutory processes required for private development; council’s denial only concerns a formal resolution expressing city support.

The council took the vote the same evening and did not record any amendments to the motion. No formal appeal or additional action was recorded on the minutes for this agenda item.