Five Points in Athens is a place residents, business owners and students all call home. It’s also an area where some want to add a new ‘aging in place’ residential community, a plan that upset some Athenians.
Local developer Jared York’s plan to develop an area near Springdale Street was rejected by the Athens-Clarke County Commission Tuesday night, mainly due to rezoning concerns. York was unavailable for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Amy Kissane, executive director of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation, spoke against the plan, citing concerns of increased population density and that homes for retired residents may be converted to student housing. Kissane said there is already an abundance of student housing, especially in the Five Points area.
Kissane mentioned a historical house at the intersection of Springdale Street and Stanton Way that she thinks needs saving. Kissane said the house does not fall under ‘Demolition Delay,’ a process that protects potential historical property from being destroyed if people want more time to investigate its value.
The project has been halted for now, but some residents like Kissane hope to continue the discussion with all sides to consider relocating this housing proposal to a better-suited location.
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