Athens Approves Rezoning for 255-Home Residential Development

Strategic Insights -

Athens officials have paved the way for a major new residential development, despite concerns from some residents who worry about noise pollution and changes to the property. The 122-acre site, located just south of U.S. 72 and west of Cambridge Lane, has been rezoned from estate residential and agricultural to high-density single-family residential with conditions. The development, backed by DDB Capital Fund LLC, aims to create a community with connected walking trails, neighborhood green spaces, pickleball courts, and a resort-style pool.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rezoning plan includes conditions that require a minimum of 45% of the property to be active and/or passive open space, floodway/floodplain, and/or riparian buffers.
  • The development will feature 255 residential lots, significantly fewer than the 311 lots that would be allowed under typical R-1-3 zoning.
  • Developers have agreed to these conditions up front, ensuring that they will be met regardless of who purchases the property.
  • Engineering and builder coordination on the project is expected to begin immediately, with plans to go before the Athens Planning Commission before any development can occur.
  • The development is not directly tied to the relocation of U.S. Space Command to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, but city officials expect it to accelerate population growth in Athens.
  • A public hearing was held to rezone about 33.4 acres in Athens from light industrial to high-density single-family, which passed unanimously.

Statistics:

  • 122 acres: The size of the site that has been rezoned for the residential development.
  • 255: The number of residential lots allowed under the rezoning plan.
  • 311: The number of lots that would be allowed under typical R-1-3 zoning.
  • 45%: The minimum percentage of the property that must be active and/or passive open space, floodway/floodplain, and/or riparian buffers.
  • 2040: The year referenced in the city's comprehensive plan that outlines the conditions for the development.
  • 33.4 acres: The size of the property that was rezoned from light industrial to high-density single-family.

Sources:

  • The Decatur Daily, "Athens Approves Rezoning for New 255-Home Development"
  • The Decatur Daily, "Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks' statement about light industrial zoning"
  • Athens City Planning Department, "2040 Comprehensive Plan"
  • DDB Capital Fund LLC, "News Release: Athens Rezoning a Vote of Confidence in Our Plan"