Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Voting Meeting, August 5, 2025

The Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County held their monthly voting meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, a special presentation of the new Associate Probate Judge, and action on numerous planning and zoning items, old and new business, and public input. Key decisions included approvals for rezoning of Rockwood Boulevard, Collins Industrial Boulevard, and Onita Street, denials for Pinecrest Drive and a Woodlake short-term rental, and holds on several items pending further information.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3, 5–14 approved as a consent agenda after Items 1, 2, and 4 were removed for individual discussion. The approved items included budget amendments, parking ordinances, salary adjustment for associate probate judge, and other routine matters. Commissioner Johnson voted no on Item 1 citing GDOT Title VI compliance concerns. Item 4 was approved separately later in the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 2205 Rockwood Boulevard (Item 15): Paul Johnston (President, Creekside Manor HOA) expressed support for the rezoning but requested future protections via zoning exclusions. Mark Campbell (engineer) thanked the commission for facilitating dialogue.
• 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive (Item 16): Kevin Bentley and Scott Weaver (co-developers) argued for RM2 zoning to allow three-bedroom townhomes, citing market demand. Terry Osbold and Brian Weaver spoke in favor. Hilary Rustin, Nancy Woodruff, Edward Kelly, Rita Kelly, Tapley Martin, and Marilyn Vickers spoke in opposition, citing concerns about density, traffic, precedent, affordability, and neighborhood character.
• 231 Collins Industrial Boulevard (Item 17): Stephen Banks (owner, Turner Concrete Quality Block) requested rezoning to industrial for relocation. Mark Campbell supported. No opposition.
• 355 Onita Street (Item 18): Scott Haynes (WA Engineering) spoke in favor of the redevelopment plan. No opposition.
• 380 Hawthorne Extension (Item 19): Bryce (WA Engineering) presented the rezoning request and offered a voluntary condition limiting units to three. No public opposition.
• 159 Marlin Street (Item 20): Adam Kilgo spoke in favor of his short-term rental (STR) application, noting neighbor support. No opposition speakers.
• 101 Woodlake Drive Unit 506 (Item 21): Christina Citro (HOA president), Nikki Dillard, Alicia Maldon, Mary Stone, and Jane Quant spoke against the STR, citing community character, safety, and lack of applicant presence. The applicant did not appear.
• Demolition Review Amendment (Item 22): Steve DeShield spoke generally about the demolition process and nuisance abatement list.
• Old and New Business: Shanice Allen and Will Sambro spoke about damage from the Rock Quarry and demanded action.
• Non-agenda public input: Kenneth Watis requested help with abandoned properties; Steve DeShield discussed the College Avenue trestle; Brian Middleton presented a self-awareness program.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – GDOT Grant for Guard Rail Repair: Commissioner Johnson opposed due to lack of Title VI compliance documentation. The item passed 7-1 with Johnson voting no.
• Item 2 – Sandy Creek Nature Center Exhibit Award: Commissioner Johnson raised concerns about a single bid, lack of transparency, and scope creep. The item passed.
• Item 4 – FY26 Budget Amendment (End of Fiscal Year): Approved after clarification that it only concerned earned interest.
• Item 15 – 2205 Rockwood Boulevard Rezone (CN1 to RM1): Approved unanimously after adding a list of excluded commercial uses (e.g., bed & breakfasts, convenience stores, cemeteries, etc.).
• Item 16 – 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive Rezone (RM1 to RM2): Motion to deny passed unanimously. Commissioner Link expressed concern the project would become luxury student housing.
• Item 17 – 231 Collins Industrial Boulevard Rezone to Industrial: Initially a motion to deny, but a substitute motion to approve carried 4-3 (Culpepper, Link, Wright, Johnson yes; Thornton, Taylor, Fisher no).
• Item 18 – 355 Onita Street Planned Development Amendment: Approved unanimously.
• Item 19 – 380 Hawthorne Extension Rezone to RM2: Held for one cycle to allow further discussion of conditions.
• Item 20 – 159 Marlin Street Short-Term Rental Special Use: A substitute motion to hold for one cycle passed 7-1 (Commissioner Davenport opposed; Commissioners Fisher and Wright abstained).
• Item 21 – 101 Woodlake Drive Unit 506 Short-Term Rental Special Use: Denied unanimously (Commissioner Wright abstained).
• Item 22 – Text Amendment to Demolition Review Procedures: Approved unanimously.
• Item 23 – Lease Agreement for Capital Projects Department: Approved unanimously.
• Item 24 – Naming of Linden House Art Center South Gallery after Nancy Lucasheviks: Approved unanimously.
• Item 25 – Rock Hill Quarry Preliminary Concept Phase: Held until further information from state regulators.
• Item 26 – Sanford Stadium Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Project: Held to the September meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Consent items 3,5–14; Item 1 (GDOT grant); Item 2 (Sandy Creek exhibit); Item 4 (budget amendment); Item 15 (Rockwood rezone with exclusions); Item 17 (Collins Industrial rezone); Item 18 (Onita Street PD amendment); Item 22 (demolition review); Item 23 (lease); Item 24 (gallery naming); Resolution for $500 youth placemaking grant.
• Denials: Item 16 (Pinecrest rezone); Item 21 (Woodlake STR).
• Held for one cycle: Item 19 (Hawthorne rezone); Item 20 (Marlin STR).
• Held indefinitely/next meeting: Item 25 (Rock Hill quarry); Item 26 (Sewer project).
• Special presentation: Judge Susan Huff was introduced as the new Associate Probate Judge.
• Announcements: Commissioner Ovita Thornton announced she will run for re-election. New County Manager Bob was welcomed by several commissioners.