@athenspoliticsnerd.bsky.social
Independent, progressive journalism for Athens, Georgia.
The ACC Commission has delayed voting on a proposed redevelopment of the Homewood Hills shopping center on Jefferson Road.
Their non-decision comes after over 45 minutes of public comment about the proposal, with people speaking both for and against.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/commission-d...
95% of the vote is in. Trump won this district by 22 points in 2024 as Democrats across the country continue to over perform even in the reddest districts.
03.12.2025 02:47 — 👍 1738 🔁 309 💬 131 📌 23Commercial STRs won't be allowed there anymore. But they could still be owner-occupied STRs, which aren't restricted.
03.12.2025 02:43 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0They do delay a LOT of things.
03.12.2025 02:42 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0ACC Manager Bob Cowell says that the data center proposed at Athena Studios does not fit with current zoning and therefore can't be built.
However, they have a right to appeal this decision to a hearing officer.
After all that it unanimously passes. 😆
03.12.2025 02:15 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Now Commissioner Ovita Thornton is chiming in and saying that people on these boards have all kinds of power and influence. Do they? When do you ever listen to them, commissioner?
03.12.2025 02:10 — 👍 6 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0I don't like blanket, non-specific accusations that people can't respond to and refute. That's unprofessional to me.
03.12.2025 02:08 — 👍 4 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0Commissioner Stephanie Johnson is accusing planning commission members of having conflicts of interest and not recusing themselves.
She didn't name any names but this is inappropriate, I feel. If she knows a specific instance and it really is inappropriate, she SHOULD name names. Or not say it.
Are they still talking about it? Hasn't this gone to committee like twice? 🤦♂️
03.12.2025 01:56 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Umm.... yes.... yes. Let me find it...
They have an interactive map here! I have never used it so I can't vouch for it, though.
www.arcgis.com/apps/instant...
Just vote on the Boards, Authorities and Commissions changes already holy crap. It's semi-important but literally I don't even care anymore. They have dragged this out so long it's crazy. Just vote!!
03.12.2025 01:52 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0Yeah kind of telling, even though I sort of also agree with him on the issue, or can see it that way anyway.
It was brave, which normally I'd praise, but he's the person arguing he can get things done? Didn't look like it tonight. I don't think he's ready, y'all.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation people are out tonight, speaking about a local issue this time. Glad to see them.
03.12.2025 01:22 — 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
After a short break, the mayor and commission meeting is back!
Now it's time for public comment, mostly about a proposed moratorium on new data centers in Athens.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiVj...
So if you live in your AirBnB most of the time, it's fine.
03.12.2025 01:09 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0New SPLOST project idea! 🎳
03.12.2025 01:07 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0The commission just voted to prohibit commercial AirBnBs or other short-term rentals in agricultural neighborhood zones, light industrial zones and multifamily zones. Home occupation STRs will still be allowed in those areas.
03.12.2025 01:07 — 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0Link's motion to table the vote passes 6-4 with Taylor, Fisher, Culpepper and Hamby voting no.
Had to double check that because the clerk miscounted.
"If we're going to have an eyesore, I'd rather have an eyesore that looks like something than a bad eyesore." -Commissioner Dexter Fisher
(I have no strong opinions on this one, but huh? 🤔)
Commissioner Dexter Fisher is making a motion to approve the redevelopment of the Homewood Hills shopping center, worried that it will continue to deteriorate -- perhaps for years or decades -- if this isn't approved.
03.12.2025 00:15 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0
The commission is currently hearing public comment about a redevelopment of Homewood Hills shopping center. There is comment both in favor and against.
flagpole.com/featured/202...
The commission denied the church unanimously. Now moving on to apartments at Homewood Hills.
02.12.2025 23:26 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0People from Winterville are speaking out now at city hall against a new church, quite a large one, proposed at 255 Smithonia Road.
02.12.2025 23:21 — 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
The monthly mayor and commission voting meeting has started down at city hall.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiVj...
Killing people who aren't fighting back is a war crime, IF we're at war.
If we're not at war, it's just plain murder. #ProsecuteHegseth
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Some may not like it, but cancel culture is protected speech under the 1st amendment. If you prosecute those who try to cancel you, you're attacking freedom of speech, not defending it.
01.12.2025 16:41 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
When Julie Mauck, chair of Moms of Liberty in Oconee, tried to silence Athens Pride, they fought back in court.
In Nov., Mauck was dealt her second decisive loss on appeal, putting her and the Coalition for Liberty on the hook for Athens Pride's legal fees.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/athens-pride...
"Maybe it's time to bring politics back to the dinner table. A lot of people don't know the scope of what's happening."
Happy Thanksgiving! 😅
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn-r...
Even though SNAP benefits are flowing again, Athens' food emergency is not over, according to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/nega-food-ba...
