Resident raises traffic and safety concerns about Avanelle Crossing apartments; planner says city has subdivision jurisdiction

Athens — A local resident expressed concerns at the April 7 commissioners meeting about a proposed Avanelle Crossing apartment development, citing limited ingress and egress, narrow and steep Donna Lane access, traffic and emergency-response worries, and a request for a formal public review.

Robin Todhunter told the board she was concerned the project could increase traffic and create safety risks on a road with limited sight and narrow shoulders and asked that a traffic impact study be conducted and that the project proceed through a formal public-review process with notification.

Planner Connor LaVelle responded that the project site is within the City of Athens’ three-mile subdivision review jurisdiction, which means subdivision review authority — including determinations about required road or utility upgrades and notice procedures — rests with the City of Athens and its planning commission. LaVelle noted there is no county zoning in most unincorporated parts of Athens County (the village of The Plains is an exception).

A project participant clarified that construction on an adjacent lot was a single-family residence unrelated to the apartment project and said they participate as a minority partner on the apartment effort and support affordable housing in the area. The commissioners advised residents to raise specific infrastructure and traffic concerns to the City during subdivision review.