Several land rezoning requests came before the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission on Tuesday night that would greenlight plans for increased density, prompting public opposition. Another special use request for one property to become a short-term rental, also known as an STR, also raised public outcry.
Many local homeowners spoke out against rezoning in the Rockwood, Pinecrest, and Woodlake neighborhoods, expressing concerns that rezoning decisions could increase density in their neighborhoods, which would result in more traffic. They also feared the rezoning would allow for short-term rentals, which are advertised on sites like Airbnb.
The mayor and commission acknowledged that there is a lack of consistency with how STR rezoning applications are approved and denied. Commissioner Melissa Link represents District 2. She said the local government needs to come up with consistent criteria when considering approving STRs.
“I’m hoping that the planning commission can come forward and help us unravel this beast that is STRs and help us come up with some clear criteria that will see to it that these go in appropriate places,” Link said.
The redistricting of the Rockwood neighborhood was approved, while the higher-density proposal in the Pinecrest neighborhood and the short-term rental on Woodlake Drive were denied.
