Commission approves Chick‑fil‑A site at 1960 Barnett Shoals with tree/amenity requests

Commissioners approved a special‑use ordinance allowing a commercial general district use at 1960 Barnett Shoals Road, where the applicant proposed a restaurant with outdoor seating. The applicant’s engineer described standard site features and said umbrellas would cover outdoor seating; Commissioner Myers and others urged additional shade trees to provide long‑term comfort for customers and reduce stormwater and heat impacts.

"62 single family houses is what Athens needs," Commissioner Taylor said in support of housing items earlier in the meeting and later emphasized the importance of greening and pedestrian amenities when discussing this site. Jason Toole, the applicant’s representative, said the firm would be "happy to add trees as well if that's what the commission would like." Commissioners approved the special use unanimously and instructed staff to note the requested landscaping considerations in permit review.