Planning Commission

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 3rd, 2024 - 6:00 P.M. 120 W. Dougherty Street MEMBERS PRESENT: Matthew Hall (chair), Sara Beresford, Alexander Sams, Jen Fleece, Michael Lord, and Monique Sanders MEMBERS ABSENT: Kristen Morales (vice-chair), Taylor Pass, Sarah Gehring, and Carey McLaughlin STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Lonnee, Marc Beechuk, Max Doty, and Stephen Jaques (Planning); John Hawkins (Attorney’s Office); Bob Faucett (Transportation & Public Works); Richard Vaughn (Fire) Mr. Hall called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Introduction of Staff reports and all other documents submitted to the Planning Commission at this meeting into the official record – Mr. Lord motioned to introduce all reports and documents into the official record. Ms. Beresford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 2. Approval of September 5, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes – Mr. Lord motioned for approval. Ms. Sanders seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 3. MACORTS review and public comment – Mr. Beechuk noted that the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan was adopted on Wednesday October. 2, 2024 OLD 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 A004, 164A3 A003, & 164A3 A002 Mr. Jaques presented the staff report with a recommendation for approval with a condition. For: David Ellison (applicant), Quaison Payne Against: None Discussion: The applicant stated that they would be participating in the Inclusionary Zoning program. A question from the public was asked if eligibility would be based on federal HUD calculations or off of local data? The applicant responded that they are required to use the code approved by ACC Mayor & Commission which uses HUD figures. A resident stated that neighbors are in favor of the project and hope that it encourages nearby property owners to improve their properties. A Commissioner stated that they hope to see more projects like this and commended the applicant for revising the design after initial feedback. Motion: Ms. Beresford motioned to recommend approval with a condition. Mr. Sams seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Condition: 1. The Ruth Street Extension shall be constructed in the alignment shown on the site plan, unless the Transportation & Public Works Department Director determines that the street needs to redirected to connect with new streets on adjoining parcels. In all cases, the street shall be constructed to the property line in order to provide a connection to adjacent properties, particularly the parcel at 195 Bray Street (Tax Parcel# 164A3 A008). The street shall be built to public standards, as administered by the Transportation & Public Works Department, in effect at the time of construction. The street shall remain private until an adjacent parcel is developed with a street connection between adjoining  parcels. Upon completion of a street connection on adjoining parcels, the street shall be dedicated as public right-of-way and meet all Transportation & Public Works Department standards for dedication. NEW BUSINESS 1. 1300 US HWY 29 N – SUP-2024-09-1822 Type II – Special Use Petitioner: Zachary Brendel Owner: Zachary Brendel Request: Special Use in AR Tax ID: 211 017 Motion: The applicant requested to table the case within 48 hours of the Planning Commission meeting, which requires a vote by the Planning Commission to accept the tabling request. Ms. Beresford motioned to accept the request to table the case. Mr. Lord seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. FUTURE LAND USE MAP UPDATE PROGRESS REPORT Mr. Beechuk presented the progress report on the Future Land Use Map Update. Mr. Sams provided an update on the Steering Committee’s meeting progress. Public Comment: Amy Andrews, Deborah Gunter, Quaison Payne Discussion: During public comment, Ms. Andrews presented her work on student population growth in Athens and its impact on housing, especially in historically African-American neighborhoods. She stated that “studentification” (gentrification by students) is a problem in these neighborhoods and something should be done to protect them. She did not think that the Future Land Use Update nor other planning and zoning regulations were doing enough to respond to this issue. We’re not planning for it. It is considered a Trad Neigh. But is in essence an investor neighborhood. not paying enough attention through FLU and zoning to address the issue. She noted that the Reese Street Neighborhood had preserved the buildings in the neighborhood through a local historic district designation, but that this had not prevented the neighborhood from transitioning from primarily African- American residents to students. She also noted that recent apartments built in the area created a very abrupt transition from Downtown to Reese Street and she stated that a more gradual transition might be helpful. Other residents echoed these concerns. Ms. Gunter stated that the Future Land Use Update did not take into account the need for senior housing and that this must be addressed. Mr. Payne stated that accessory dwelling units need to be permitted. Commissioners echoed some of these concerns. They noted that Athens-Clarke County does not control enrollment at the University of Georgia, but the County does need to be mindful of the fact that some students have the means to outbid full-time residents for housing. Commissioners encouraged the University to build more student housing on campus. One Commissioner stated that large student mid-rise apartments, in appropriate areas such as Downtown may be helpful at housing students that will otherwise live in neighborhoods like Reese Street. Another Commissioner stated that blocking accessory dwelling units county-wide partly in an effort to protect these historic neighborhoods from student influxes is not working and is preventing a building type from being constructed that would help ease the housing crisis. Commissioners generally expressed interest in the Future Land Use Update and noted that they are looking forward to seeing continued progress. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Planning Commission Chair’s Report – None 2. Planning Director's Report – Previewed next month’s Planning Commission agenda caseload 3. Miscellaneous announcements – Welcomed Ms. Jen Fleece to the Planning Commission Mr. Lord motioned to adjourn. Ms. Beresford seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.