Homelessness

The Athens-Clarke County commission voted 8-to-2 to approve a reformed rights-of-way ordinance that will likely impact homelessness in downtown Athens.

Tuesday night's Athens-Clarke County commission meeting is set to be a big one. WUGA's McClain Baxley helps break down the agenda.

Last Tuesday, there was a lot of buzz at the regular Mayor and Commission meeting about an ordinance which would make it illegal to sleep on sidewalks.

On August 4th, several Athens community members attended the Mayor and Commission meeting to speak against an ordinance that prohibits individuals from interfering with foot traffic in or out of any private or public area and also prohibits camping in public areas.

Representative Houston Gaines added a provision against allowing local governments and hospitals to take homeless people to other counties without permission.

In brief: A bill creating a Georgia oversight board — Georgia House enforcing ban on public camping — Georgia professor named director of nutrition security and health equity — Atlanta Hawks face off at home

The money can go towards a number of purposes, including creating affordable rental housing, rental assistance, and capacity-building for non-profit groups.

Georgia cities and counties could be compelled to enforce bans on public camping or sleeping by homeless people under a bill moving forward in the state Senate.

In brief: release of the cognitive Monitoring Report — county given funds to address homelessness — bill moving forward to enforce bans on public camping by homeless people — state representative pushing for legal sports betting — Georgia mens basketball set to play LSU — Atlanta Hawks lost

Athens-Clarke County commissioners debated Accessory Dwelling Units on Tuesday.