The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission denied the requested rezoning of the UGA President’s House from government to commercial neighborhood. The Commission voted 5-1 to deny the request at their most recent meeting.
After a preliminary review in September, Capstone Property Group presented a new plan which significantly downsized a proposed hotel on the property. “We’ve listened to the feedback, and we’re here tonight with a much smaller hotel,” said architect Lori Bork Newcomer, “It’ll allow the preservation of the President’s home and welcome people into the home for decades to come.”
East-side resident David Bradley spoke in support of the hotel. “We just have opportunities in front of us and I’m here to offer support for this project,” Bradley said. “We need this property; we need more rooms in Athens.”
However, the overwhelming number of those filling the room were in opposition, including Boulevard resident Jasmine Paul. “I appreciate staff’s recommendation to deny this proposal,” Paul said, "A hotel that is five times the size the zoning allows just doesn't fit our 1:12:20 residential neighborhood and I'm really glad that's being acknowledged."
The Planning Commission's vote is a just a recommendation to the mayor and commission. The issue is expected to come before the commission at their next agenda-setting meeting on January 20th, and then at the February 3rd voting session. There will be an opportunity for public comment at both meetings.
