Athens-Clark County Public Facilities Authority and Mayor and Commission Agenda Setting Meeting - August 19, 2025

The meeting opened with the Athens-Clark County Public Facilities Authority (PFA) gathering at 5:53 PM for a special call meeting, followed by the regular monthly agenda setting meeting of the Athens-Clark County Mayor and Commission at 6:00 PM. The PFA addressed officer elections and a single property transaction. The Mayor and Commission considered a full consent agenda, held public input, and discussed multiple zoning and capital items, including a proposed student housing development, a teaching kitchen and community garden project, and the relocation of Fire Station No. 5.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from July 6, 2010 for the Public Facilities Authority were approved.
• Items 3, 4, 5 on the Mayor and Commission agenda (not detailed in transcript) were placed on consent.
• Items 1 (transit funding), 2 (Morton Theater grant), 10 (West Broad & Hancock roundabout), 12 (public art at Costa building), 13 (solar initiatives for Fire Station 8 and Dudley Park), 14 (safety improvements at Thomas & Washington), 15 (DDA community events funding with conditions), 17 (Chase Street TAP grant), 18 (FY25 community energy fund projects), and 20 (public utilities trash setup fee amendment) were all moved to consent after brief discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Blake Underwood (applicant, 160 Stanton Way) expressed support for the Puritan Lane project (Item 6), citing community benefits including abandonment of a substandard road, providing access to a 12-acre city tract for a future park, adding pedestrian crossings, and adding 70 housing units. He argued against using inclusionary zoning due to challenging topography and construction costs.
• Frank Pittman (Pittman Agreer Engineering, 1400 Saxon Road, Watkinsville) also supported the Puritan Lane project, noting conditions from staff were acceptable and the tree canopy waiver was justified by topography and the existing right-of-way. He highlighted available sewer capacity.
• Jeff Coom (Stratus Development Group) supported the Puritan Lane project, emphasizing community benefits such as activating a 12-acre city park, adding quality housing, preserving existing homes via relocation, and cost savings.
• Tammy Foote (223 Fairview Street) spoke against the 585 Vine Street PD amendment (Item 7), arguing the 1996 PD was a promise to stabilize East Athens without displacement, and the amendment lacked community input, threatens predictability, and opens the door to gentrification (stated: "Don't make us the next Five Points").
• Willow Fambro (1053 Spring Valley Road) spoke against the 585 Vine Street amendment, stating the owner bought property without due diligence and is asking the community to pay for her mistake. She urged the commission to deny the request.
• Dr. Shanice Allen (130 Meredith Ridge Road) spoke against the 585 Vine Street amendment, emphasizing that the amendment undermines the 1996 PD promise, sets a dangerous precedent, and is not the community's responsibility. She referenced prior commission denials for similar reasons.
• Amy Kasane (526 Highland Avenue, representing Better Communities Collaborative and W Day Engineering) expressed strong support for the 585 Vine Street amendment, noting the grant is reimbursement-only and Farm to Neighborhood has committed to a 20-25 year lease. She described the project's mission of food access and healthy youth programs.
• Board Chair of Farm to Neighborhood (name not stated) also supported the amendment, highlighting the focus on teaching gardening and entrepreneurial skills, and serving youth and seniors without changing the main structure.
• Carly Rodriguez Fayo (daughter of owner of 4710 Old Lexington Road) spoke against the proposed purchase for Fire Station No. 5 (Item 8), describing the devastation it would cause to family property and its rural character. She asked the commission to deny the option purchase agreement.
• James Ward (4740 Old Lexington Road, former firefighter) opposed the fire station location, suggesting an alternative commercial lot three miles away better serves growing population and minimizes disruption. He noted a recent construction boom near the alternate.
• Sabrina Ward (4740 Old Lexington Road, paramedic with 22 years experience) opposed the location, stating it would destroy the peaceful, country living environment and asked for an alternative location.
• Rebecca Whitlow (147 Elderberry Circle) opposed the fire station location, pointing out that six adjoining acres sold for $10,000/acre two years ago, but the county is now paying over $64,000/acre for the target parcel, which she called an unnecessary use of taxpayer dollars.
• Suzanne Warrenfelds (175 Dunwoody Drive) expressed support for items 13 and 18 (clean energy projects funded by the community energy fund), noting estimated lifetime savings of $600,000 for solarizing Fire Station 8 and Dudley Park.
• Kathy Rodriguez Fayo (4710 Old Lexington Road) reiterated her opposition to the fire station location, noting she had tried to buy the adjacent parcel for years and was not informed of the plans. She questioned the impact on her property taxes and property value.
• Trisha Bearden (5500 Old Lexington Road) opposed the fire station location, citing rural character and asking for reconsideration of alternative sites at Morton Road and Lexington Highway. She noted environmental concerns due to proximity to two creeks.
• Dr. Dulmelis Sandu (5505 Old Lexington Road) opposed the fire station location, emphasizing the need for tranquility given her retired Marine husband with PTSD and a son with autism. She described Old Lexington Road as dangerous and unsuitable for a fire station.
• Carrie Ritzler (325 Ants Court) expressed support for items 13 and 18 (clean energy projects), stating they will save money and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Discussion Items

• Public Facilities Authority (PFA) Items:

  • The PFA administered the oath of office to newly appointed members, including Commissioner Davenport who arrived late.
  • Election of Chairperson for 2025: Dexter Fisher was nominated and elected as chairperson.
  • Election of Secretary for 2025: Tiffany Taylor was nominated and elected as secretary.
  • Approval of July 6, 2010 Minutes: Approved.
  • Public Input: None.
  • Request to purchase Northeast Georgia Regional Commission property back for $10: The property address is 305 Research Drive. Background: the Regional Commission entered into a lease agreement in 2007 with the PFA to finance renovation of the office building using revenue bonds backed by the unified government. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Davenport and seconded by Commissioner Taylor. All in favor, none opposed.

• Item 6 – Puritan Lane PD Request (Addresses 1030, 1040, 1060 Macon Highway and 100, 104, 110, 120, 140, 150 Puritan Lane):

  • Staff (Bruce) presented the request: rezone from RM1 to RM2 with a planned development (PD) to allow a 70-unit townhouse development on ~9.5 acres (including abandonment of Puritan Lane). A waiver was requested to reduce conserved tree canopy from 25% to 17%. Planning commission recommended denial, finding the request partially compatible with the comprehensive plan, not introducing housing variety, and the density increase could be achieved through inclusionary zoning without a rezone. The waiver was also recommended for denial.
  • Conditions suggested by staff if approved: amend plans for code compliance; provide leisure services access with five standard parking spaces and a pedestrian walkway; extend sidewalk to transit stop; and ensure Puritan Lane abandonment authorized.
  • Commissioner discussion:
    • Commissioner Cole Pepper supported the project, citing student housing needs and efforts to relocate mill houses for affordable housing.
    • Commissioner Wright asked about tree canopy numbers; staff clarified the waiver is for conserved (older growth) canopy; overall canopy with new plantings would meet code.
    • Mayor Gurtz expressed concern about overbuilding student housing, noting vacancies and UGA capping enrollment. He questioned the need for more density and suggested RM1 development by right.
    • Commissioner Link had mixed feelings, supporting density but concerned about loss of historic mill cottages and lack of bus service; students would need cars.
    • Commissioner Myers asked why planning commission recommended denial for this site while approving a similar RM1 to RM2 rezone last month. Staff said context and parcel size differ.
    • Commissioner Davenport supported the location for student housing, but raised concerns about tree loss and asked about moving mill houses to county-owned property via a nonprofit.
    • Commissioner Johnson argued for consistency with prior votes (e.g., June 3rd approval for student housing), criticized subjective language in planning reports, and supported relocating mill houses.

• Item 7 – 585 Vine Street PD Amendment (Units 1–5, Triangle Plaza):

  • Staff presented the request to amend the 1996 CNPD to change the binding site plan on the south side of Nelly B Avenue to add a teaching kitchen, outdoor community space, community garden, and reconfigure parking (reducing spaces by three). No exterior building changes. Planning commission recommended approval.
  • Public input included strong opposition from residents who argued the 1996 PD was a promise to the community, the amendment lacked community input, and it could lead to gentrification and displacement.
  • Representatives of the applicant (Farm to Neighborhood) and supporters emphasized the project’s mission to address food insecurity, provide education, and the grant is reimbursement-only; they noted existing minority businesses on site.
  • Commissioner discussion:
    • Commissioner Taylor (District 3) supported the project, noting it benefits the East Athens community.
    • Commissioner Wright supported converting parking to green space, adding trees, and improving pedestrian safety. He suggested adding a mid-block crosswalk with speed bumps or flashing lights. Applicant’s engineer confirmed they are meeting with transportation and public works on pedestrian improvements.
    • Commissioner Fisher asked if the PD could allow future housing; staff clarified any change in use would require another PD amendment.
    • Commissioner Thornton expressed the need for more zoning education and questioned the necessity of the change.
    • Commissioner Johnson raised concerns about a previous community garden project that apparently didn't continue, questioned the relationship between the applicant and WNA Engineering, and noted subjective language in reports made her distrust the process.
    • Commissioner Myers asked for further information about other property owned by the applicant across the street (where a prior garden existed).

• Item 8 – Property Acquisition for Fire Station No. 5 (4730 Old Lexington Road):

  • Following extensive public comment opposing the location, the commission discussed the item.
  • Commissioner Davenport stated he would issue a CDO and look for alternative locations, noting residents value tranquility and rural character. He emphasized the residents are legacy residents.
  • Commissioner Johnson appreciated Commissioner Davenport’s consistent advocacy, noted the destruction of trees, and questioned the property value increase from $10,000/acre two years ago to $64,000/acre.
  • Staff explained property negotiation: three locations were identified; one seller eventually agreed; price is driven by negotiation and seller willingness. The fire station itself would not increase neighboring property taxes.
  • Commissioner Myers asked staff to provide more detail on site selection criteria, expected call volumes (fire chief later said 2.5-3 calls/day, 60% medical), percentage of land used, and design mitigation measures. Fire Chief Moss confirmed the station would have one engine, average 2.5-3 calls per day, and the site is large enough for a 300-foot buffer. Design process could incorporate buffering and lighting.
  • Commissioner Myers also referenced previous site selection work and requested staff make that information available to the public.

• Item 13 – Solar Initiatives: Fire Station 8 and Dudley Park:

  • Supported by several public speakers. Commissioners agreed to place on consent.
  • Commissioner Taylor noted the estimated lifetime savings of $600,000.

• Item 19 – ARPA Fund Recapture and Reallocation:

  • Staff (Andrew) outlined four options: the staff recommendation (Option 1) would fund the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures (capital and rent) and reallocate remaining funds to affordable housing via existing contracts. Option 2 would park funds for a capital project (fire truck).
  • Commissioner Fisher clarified that only two nonprofits are being recaptured, not $5 million as social media suggested.
  • Commissioner Thornton asked about reallocating funds from two defunct nonprofits to other nonprofits; staff said reallocation is possible and there would be a separate agenda in October for housing funds.
  • Commissioner Myers requested clearer documentation of ARPA sub-grantees and outcomes, especially for the Chamber/Athens Achieve and Boys & Girls Club.
  • Commissioner Taylor asked about easing red tape for rental assistance; staff noted federal requirements limit flexibility but existing awardees could propose scope changes.

Key Outcomes

• Public Facilities Authority:
  • Elected Dexter Fisher as chairperson and Tiffany Taylor as secretary for 2025.
  • Approved the purchase of 305 Research Drive property from Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for $10 (motion by Commissioner Davenport, second by Commissioner Taylor; all ayes).
• Mayor and Commission (Agenda Setting):
  • Most items placed on consent agenda; several items removed for discussion or held.
  • Item 6 (Puritan Lane PD): Held for further discussion; no vote taken. Commissioner Cole Pepper expressed support; Mayor Gurtz and others had concerns.
  • Item 7 (585 Vine Street PD Amendment): Held for further discussion; no vote taken. Most commissioners expressed support, though Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Myers had questions.
  • Item 8 (Fire Station No. 5 property acquisition): Commissioner Davenport will issue a CDO to seek alternative locations. The item will return for a vote at the regular voting meeting (likely September 2).
  • Item 11 (West Broad neighborhood improvements): Commissioner Link asked to hold to bring to the West Broad Advisory Board.
  • Item 15 (DDA events funding): Placed on consent after Commissioner Johnson requested a five-year comparison.
  • Item 16 (Hawthorne/Oglethorpe intersection): Held for discussion due to property owner negotiations; Commissioner Fisher asked to be kept in the loop.
  • Item 19 (ARPA recapture): Staff recommendation (Option 1) was discussed; commissioners leaned toward approval but Commissioner Thornton requested further detail on reallocation. Placed on discussion (not consent) for a future meeting.
• Next Steps:
  • Regular voting meeting scheduled for September 2, 2025, where items held for discussion will be voted upon.
  • Staff to provide additional information on fire station selection criteria, ARPA recapture options, and DDA funding history.