Athens City Council approves $600,000 emergency repairs for Joneswood Drive slip

Athens City Council voted April 21 to declare an emergency and authorize up to $600,000 to repair a failing section of Joneswood Drive, approving Ordinance 48-25 and suspending the formal bidding process to meet urgent public-safety needs.

The ordinance authorizes the Service Safety Director to expend up to $600,000 from the city’s street fund to stabilize and repair a roughly 60-foot-long failure that has reduced the roadway to about half its width. Councilmember Spiel, who introduced the measure, told colleagues the condition is "urgent" and described prior committee discussion supporting immediate action.

A city representative said traffic-calming features will be incorporated into the repair work and that officials have been in contact with contractors; the administration estimated the work could be completed within “six weeks to two months” if materials and crews are available. The council voted to suspend the rules so work could begin to meet safety needs and the anticipated schedule.

Resident Barbara Stout spoke during public comment, urging the city to inspect nearby Terrace Street because she said it shows similar sinking and could affect about 14 houses. Stout described the situation at her father’s house and said, "I could walk out, but it might take me two or three days," underscoring access concerns for elderly residents.

Council members heard that some private parties had expressed interest in removing a threatened house but were told demolition would not proceed until the road is made safe. The council approved the ordinance; the vote was recorded as the motion carrying (no roll-call tally provided in the transcript).

Next steps: the administration will proceed with contracting under the emergency authorization, include traffic-calming measures in the scope of work, and report back to council as construction and scheduling are finalized.