Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission adopts right-of-way ordinance package; members stress resources and warnings, say it's not meant to criminalize homelessness
Summary
The commission passed a three-part right-of-way ordinance package clarifying rules on obstructing sidewalks, service definitions and abandoned personal property. Sponsors emphasized warnings, exceptions and coordination with the homeless coalition and nonprofit service providers; the commission asked for six-month monitoring reports.
Athens-Clarke County commissioners on Jan. 6 adopted a package of three ordinances revising how the county addresses obstruction of public sidewalks and related right-of-way issues. Sponsors said the revisions clarify vague language and add procedural protections, including required warnings and exceptions, and are not intended to criminalize people experiencing homelessness.
"This is not to criminalize our homeless population," the ordinance sponsor said, adding the goal is to prevent business impediments while coordinating with service providers. Commissioners discussed the need to pair any enforcement with services such as locker programs and stronger coordination with the homeless coalition and local nonprofits. Several commissioners asked staff to return with implementation metrics and a six‑month update on citations, arrests and service outcomes.
The package includes direction to continue work with community partners (Sparrow’s Nest, Build a Vision and others) to identify supportive measures and a planned report from the homeless coalition by late January or February. The commission approved the ordinances by roll call and asked the county manager and staff to follow up on enforcement procedures and nonprofit coordination.
