Athens-Clarke County Special Called and Agenda Setting Session - July 21, 2026

On July 21, 2026, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held a special called session followed by a regularly scheduled agenda setting session. The special called session included five action items, all approved unanimously. The agenda setting session featured public hearings on several planning and zoning items, including a controversial text amendment to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and a reduction in minimum dwelling unit size. The meeting also included discussions on a homelessness resolution and multiple consent agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Special Called Session Items:
  • Adoption of 2026 property tax rates, current property tax digest, and five-year history of levy.
  • Ordinance to levy and assess taxes for the Clark County School District for 2026.
  • Annual school resource officer agreement for 2026–2027 academic year with Clark County School District ($470,000 for six officers and partial supervisor salary).
  • Renewal of small business enterprise agreement.
  • Heard Community Center Accessible Parking Improvements bid award.
• Agenda Setting Session Consent Items (Items 1–16, with 12 and 13 moved to discussion and then returned to consent):
  • Items 1–11 and 14–16 approved as part of consent agenda.
• Items 23, 25, 26, 27, 30 placed on consent:
  • Item 23: Naming of East Broad Street Bridge over the North Oconee as "Weaver D's Bridge – Automatic for the People."
  • Item 25: Georgia Initiative for Community Housing proposal to clarify affordable housing fund allocation based on family size (using general fund dollars, not HUD).
  • Item 26: Intergovernmental agreement with UGA for GDOT partnership on roundabout at entrance to State Botanical Garden (South Milledge Avenue).
  • Item 27: Jefferson River Road multi-use right-of-way project.
  • Item 30: Approval of waterline upgrade construction plans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Consent Agenda Items:
  • Joan Roden (resident) spoke in support of item 5 (Athens Tutorial Program), praising its work and urging continued support.
• On Planning and Zoning Items (Items 17–22):
  • Item 17 (1490 Witt Davis Road rezone): Ed Lane, representing applicant, explained the request to rezone from RS-25 to AR to preserve historic farmhouse; noted that special events were not part of the request and that the planning commission had added conditions limiting livestock and commercial uses.
  • Item 18 (357 South Milledge Avenue fraternity use): Charlie Nelson, BYX chapter president, detailed parking enforcement, neighbor engagement, and restoration plans. Gary Birch (neighbor) expressed support. Other neighbors spoke in favor, noting the property's historic neglect.
  • Item 19 (1960 Barnett Shoals Road commercial parking): Jill Minton, representing Chick-fil-A, said the plan would demolish an old Burger King and add green space with outdoor seating; traffic flow improvements were included.
  • Item 20 (1125 Newton Bridge Road – modification of zoning conditions): Buck Bacon and James Bykoff, representing the developer, requested a bond to allow phase one completion before off-site road improvements, with work completed before phase two final plat.
• On Text Amendments (Items 21–22):
  • Item 21 (Secondary Dwelling Units/ADUs): Over 25 speakers addressed this item. Opposition included:
    • Larry Jordan (Maple Forge Drive): Concerned about property value, lack of infrastructure studies, and process being rushed.
    • Benny Roberson (120 Alboy Court): Worried about property value and types of vehicles parked.
    • Glenn Townsend (Holly Hill subdivision): Representing 100+ homes, voted no; requested tabling.
    • Linda Carke (119 Minor Street Drive): Questioned the amendment's origin and alignment with APA agenda; cited lack of transparency.
    • Joan Roden: Called the proposal a "muzzle-loading firearm" and urged denial.
    • Fred Stevenson (Sea Creek, 48-year resident): Called the changes "the most profound and negative consequences" on single-family neighborhoods; urged tabling.
    • William James (District 6): Opposed, calling it a "camel's nose" for further zoning destruction.
    • Andy Harrod (315 Brookwood Drive): Raised concerns about infrastructure capacity, rental conversions, and enforcement.
    • Gilbert Mount (256 Hamilton Road): Developer of Princeton Mill, argued against undermining existing zoning.
    • Michael McClendon (201 Hamilton Road): Accused proponents of "social housing agenda" and warned of corporate landlords.
    • Jack Domini (195 Dunwoody Drive, Cedar Creek): Asked for tabling; highlighted risk of dual rental properties.
    • Ken Portier (160 Spruce Valley Road): Pointed out deficits in ordinance text, including undefined terms and parking issues.
    • Kent Middleton (195 Clyde Road, Green Acres Crestwood): Requested delay; urged owner-occupancy requirement.
    • Charlie Upchurch (145 Tillman Lane): Preferred case-by-case approvals; questioned use of international codes.
    • Mark Graham (315 Milledge Heights): Cited enforcement failures and worry about student housing.
    • Gordon Rogan (340 Heather Cove): Called for killing the proposal; said it's a "tax play."
    • Ross Watson (430 Sandstone Drive): Pleaded for denial; said it disrupts "paradise."
    • Don Nelson (320 Milledge Heights): Asked to remove from agenda; cited example of expensive ADU near his home.
    • Benny Coleman (resident): Supported manufactured home subdivisions instead; argued for home ownership.
    • Supporters included:
      • John (renter, District 2): Supported changes to boost housing supply; cited national housing act.
      • Sam Stabler (Cleveland Avenue): Shared stories of clients unable to build ADUs for family; urged approval.
      • Shannon Bushway (250 Clover Street): Has a backyard cottage for her parents; supports allowing full kitchens.
      • Danielle Gilmer (725 Pine Forest Drive): Supported ADUs as practical step for housing diversity.
      • Jesse Siebentritt (327 Oglethorpe Avenue): Supported to allow more housing options.
      • David Lyle (178 Virginia Avenue): Argued for property rights and housing crisis; said ADUs are one tool.
      • Alan Jones (Xavier Drive): Supported small government and freedom to use land.
  • Item 22 (Minimum Dwelling Unit Size): John (renter, District 2) spoke in support, saying it would boost housing supply elasticity.
• On Old/New Business Items (Items 12–13, 23–30):
  • John (renter, District 2) spoke in support of item 29 (homelessness resolution), citing data and successes in Atlanta.
  • Jesse Siebentritt (327 Oglethorpe Avenue) also supported item 29, urging community action.
  • Ken Portier (160 Spruce Valley Road) spoke on item 26 (IGA with UGA for roundabout), noting safety concerns at South Milledge entrance.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 and 13 (Parking-Related Items): Commissioner Link moved them to discussion to highlight parking issues in older neighborhoods, then returned them to consent.
• Item 17 (1490 Witt Davis Road Rezone): Commissioner Davenport, participating by phone, expressed concerns about spot zoning and noise from AR vs. RS-25. Commission discussed conditions; no vote taken (will be voted on at future meeting).
• Item 18 (357 South Milledge Avenue Fraternity Use): Commissioner Wright (district 4) strongly supported, noting the property's neglect and the fraternity's responsible approach. Commissioner Link also supportive. Commissioner Johnson asked about staff vs. planning commission recommendation; staff concerns about parking reduction were addressed by binding parking management plan. Commission discussion indicated likely approval.
• Item 19 (1960 Barnett Shoals Road Commercial Parking): Commissioner Myers (by phone) leaned toward support, requesting shaded picnic tables. Commissioner Link wanted more trees; discussion about tree requirements. No vote taken.
• Item 20 (1125 Newton Bridge Road): Commissioner Thornton supported the phasing delay. Commissioner Fisher asked about traffic signal and price points. Commissioner Link mentioned Athens in Motion. Staff noted upcoming roundabout at Cathwood and Newton Bridge via TSPLOST. No vote.
• Item 21 (ADU Text Amendment): Extensive discussion. Commissioner Link outlined 16 concerns, including owner-occupancy, parking, stormwater, tree canopy, and enforcement. She proposed remanding to planning commission with specific instructions. Commissioner Fisher advocated denial, preferring a comprehensive zoning update in 2027. Commissioner Thornton opposed, citing lack of community input and connection to affordable housing. Commissioner Taylor opposed, noting negative impacts in her district. Commissioner Davenport (by phone) noted that many speakers were older, but younger renters support it. Commissioner Johnson questioned the link to affordability. Mayor Gertz noted that the resolution directed the planning commission to act on GIC recommendations, but the outcome lacked detail. Commissioner Link made a motion to remand the ADU amendment to the planning commission for further study and inclusion of conditions (e.g., owner-occupancy, parking, size limits). The motion carried? No explicit vote recorded; discussion suggests it will be voted on August 4.
• Item 22 (Minimum Dwelling Unit Size): Commissioners generally supportive. Commissioner Thornton supported as a way to provide smaller, affordable homes. Commissioner Wright supported. Commissioner Taylor raised concerns about enforceability and short-term rental use. Staff noted alignment with International Property Maintenance Code. No vote taken.
• Item 24 (IGA with UGA for North Oconee Access Road): Held for further community input; Commissioner Myers reported on outreach to Bailey Street residents.
• Item 25 (Housing Fund Banding): Commissioner Thornton requested clarification that the banding applies only to general fund dollars, not HUD. Staff confirmed. Placed on consent.
• Item 28 (Prohibition on Camping in Public Areas): Commissioner Taylor expressed concern about lack of alternative shelter, leading to arrests. Commissioner Link questioned definition of "public area." Commissioner Hamby noted it mirrors Savannah's model and emphasized compassion. No vote; will be on future agenda.
• Item 29 (Homelessness Resolution): Commissioner Thornton presented resolution directing staff to identify properties for shelter/housing, assess costs, and partner with service providers. Commissioners Link and Taylor supported, but Taylor stressed need for immediate action alongside alternative enforcement. Placed on consent.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent agenda items were approved unanimously, including the five special called session items and the consent agenda for the regular session (Items 1–16, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30).
• No Final Votes on Planning Items: Items 17–22 were discussed but not voted on; they will be on the August 4, 2026 voting meeting agenda.
• ADU Text Amendment (Item 21): Commissioner Link moved to remand to the planning commission for further study and inclusion of specific conditions (owner-occupancy, parking, size limits, etc.). The motion passed? The transcript does not show a formal vote, but discussion indicates strong support for remand. The item will be reconsidered at a future meeting.
• Minimum Dwelling Unit Size (Item 22): Likely to move forward; no formal vote yet.
• Homelessness Resolution (Item 29): Placed on consent for approval at the next voting meeting; directs staff to identify properties and partnerships.
• Camping Ordinance (Item 28): Will be revisited with additional community input; no vote.
• Next Steps: The next voting meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026, where planning items and ordinances will be considered.