Planning Commission

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 6, 2024 - 6:00 P.M. 120 W. Dougherty Street MEMBERS PRESENT: Matthew Hall (chair), Alice Kinman (vice-chair), Sara Beresford, Alexander Sams, Sarah Gehring, Kristen Morales, Joey Tucker, Monique Sanders, and Taylor Pass MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Marc Beechuk, Max Doty, Rachel Gomez, Molly DePriest, and Stephen Jaques (Planning); John Hawkins and Austin Jackson (Attorney’s Office); Kyle Dalton (Transportation & Public Works), Richard Vaughn (Fire Marshal) GENERAL BUSINESS Mr. Hall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Introduction of Staff reports and all other documents submitted to the Planning Commission at this meeting into the official record. Ms. Kinman moved to introduce all reports and documents into the official record. Ms. Beresford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 2. Approval of May 2, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes. Ms. Kinman made a motion for approval. Ms. Beresford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 3. MACORTS review and public comment – None OLD BUSINESS – None NEW BUSINESS 1. 0, 290, 310, & 322 NORTH AVE – PD-2024-05-0935 Type II – Planned Development Petitioner: David Ellison / Fortson, Bentley, & Griffin P.A. Owner: Bethlehem Land Holdings LLC Request: From C-G to C-G (PD) Tax ID: 164A3 A001A, 164A3 A002, 164A3 A003, & 164A3 A004 Mr. Jaques presented the staff report and noted that the application is being received with comments only. For: David Ellison (applicant) Against: None Discussion: The applicant stated that the project would be beneficial for the Tax Allocation District in which it is located. Commissioners liked the improvements made in the plan from the previous proposal because the current proposal is less automobile-oriented. Commissioners sought clarification on whether the street should be public or private. It was recommended that the right-in/right-out driveway be reduced to the minimum width necessary to minimize conflict with people walking and biking along North Ave. One Commissioner approved of the design of the gas station and stated that it may serve as a future example for other projects. Generally, Commissioners did not think that the gas station would create too much of a conflict between people walking and biking along North Ave. and the drivers turning into the gas station. Commissioners also stated that there is a need for housing and appreciated the applicant’s choice to provide affordable housing here as part of the Inclusionary Zoning program. 2. 215 SHADYBROOK DR – ZONE-2024-05-0927 Type II – Rezone Petitioner: Kenneth A. Beall / Beall & Co. Owner: Kittle Construction Services LLC Request: From RS-8 to RM-1 Tax ID: 233 008A Mr. Beechuk presented the staff report with a recommendation to table the request. For: Ken Beall, Ronny Kittle (applicants), Tess Cunningham, Lynn Faust Against: None Discussion: Neighbors on Shadybrook Dr. spoke in favor of the project because it would no longer put trips on their street, as previously proposed, and it would preserve more of the greenspace. Commissioners clarified the nature of the voluntary binding plan, including what elements could be bound. They also clarified water access, after a question emerged about how this project would impact the newly upgraded line in Shadybrook Dr. The applicant stated that they asked for RM zoning to allow more design flexibility, not additional density. Commissioners stated that there is a need for housing and commended the plan for preserving greenspace and room for a future greenway. Motion: Ms. Gehring made a motion to table the request for resubmittal at the next available deadline. Ms. Morales seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Planning Commission Chair’s Report – No Report 2. Future Land Use Steering Committee Report – Mr. Sams, as Committee Chair, reported on the deliberations from the second Steering Committee meeting, including discussion of the Rural Future Land Use boundary. 3. Planning Director's Report – Mr. Beechuk officially announced Brad Griffin’s retirement as Planning Director as well as the appointment of Assistant Planning Director, Bruce Lonnee, as the Interim Planning Director. Mr. Beechuk also reported on cases previously forwarded to the Mayor & Commission. During this time nominations were made for Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming fiscal year. Motion: Mr. Tucker made a motion to elect Mr. Hall as Chair for another year. Ms. Beresford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Motion: Mr. Tucker made a motion to elect Ms. Beresford as Vice-Chair. Ms. Kinman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Note: At the June 27, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, Ms. Beresford made a motion to re-visit the Vice-Chair election. This motion was seconded by Mr. Tucker and passed unanimously. Ms. Beresford followed by making a motion to elect Ms. Morales as Vice-Chair. Mr. Tucker seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Ms. Beresford made a motion to amend the June 6, 2024 minutes to reflect the new election. Mr. Tucker seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 4. Miscellaneous announcements – Commissioners thanked Alice Kinman for her service on the Commission as her term expires. Ms. Kinman shared some farewell thoughts with the Commission. Ms. Gehring made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Kinman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.