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Athens EDC declines to approve downtown Community Roots Healthcare grant amid parking and fit concerns
Summary
The board heard a presentation from Community Roots Healthcare and the building owner about a proposed downtown clinic, but concerns over parking and whether the business type fit the downtown core led a motion to approve the grant to die for lack of a second.
The Athens Economic Development Corporation on March 24 considered a business development grant application from Community Roots Healthcare for a downtown clinic but did not approve funding after board members raised concerns about parking and whether the clinic suited the downtown area.
Community Development Manager Donna Meredith summarized the Grant Committee’s review and noted committee members wanted the full board’s input on parking adequacy and downtown compatibility. Cassidy King, office manager for the proposed clinic, described operational plans, options to sublease unused offices and proposed parking solutions. Building owner Steve Grant described difficulties finding tenants and detailed his plan to assist with renovations.
Director Bryan Clemmons moved to approve the grant, but the motion failed for lack of a second; no funding action was taken. The discussion centered on whether the downtown location could reliably serve clinic patients given limited parking and whether the EDC’s downtown incentives should target that business type.
Board members asked staff to consider parking solutions, possible conditions for downtown grants, and whether alternate locations or tenant mixes would better align with downtown objectives. Staff will report back with more information if the applicant pursues the request again.
Next steps: the grant application remains unresolved; staff and the applicant may return with additional parking plans or alternatives for board consideration.
