After over a year of planning, research, and community meetings, a draft version of the plan to redevelop the Bethel Midtown Homes area in north downtown is ready for public scrutiny.
According to planners, the master plan, when finalized, will serve as a guide for both Bethel Midtown Village and the surrounding neighborhood - a site targeted by ACC officials for redevelopment with a focus on creating more affordable housing opportunities. The Athens Clarke County Commission approved the redevelopment in late 2019 and planning began in February 2020 for the site, which will utilize about $39 million in SPLOST money approved by voters in 2019.
The draft plan calls for a mixture of housing types, as well as mixed-use development, a two-story parking garage, a park, and space for the Athens Neighborhood Health Clinic. The draft plan can be viewed at ndathensplanning.com, and members of the public are invited to comment before February 19th. The ACC Mayor and Commission are expected to vote on the plan at their March 2nd meeting.