A controversial change to the layout of a commercial property in East Athens was approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Tuesday night.
Local restaurateur Rashe Malcolm owns the Historic Iron Triangle on Vine Street, which is controlled by development rules that require changes to go through the local government. Several residents of Inner East Athens spoke against her proposed plan to insert a teaching garden and green space on the property at Tuesday night’s meeting, citing fears of gentrification.
Commissioner Tiffany Taylor represents District 3, where the property is located. She defended her motion to approve Ms. Malcolm’s proposal during the meeting.
“The reason I was put here is because I feel the same way y’all feel, and just because I motion to approve this motion, does not make me less East Side than anybody else,” she said.
District 5 Commissioner Dexter Fisher said the opposition from Inner East Side residents stems from past failures of the government.
“We gotta do better in order for people to trust us and do better for our community,” he said.
The Commission voted seven to three to approve the plans.
