04-28-2026 Property Committee

The Athens-Clarke County Property Committee met on April 28, 2026, to discuss zoning and historic preservation considerations for several county-owned properties, including the fire hall at 489 Prince Avenue, the Taylor Grady house, and the Town and Gown Theatre. The committee reviewed zoning classifications such as Commercial Office (CO), Commercial Neighborhood (CN), and Commercial General (CG), and discussed potential restrictions on uses to maintain the historic character and viability of these properties. They also explored lease structures, particularly the possibility of implementing triple net leases to shift maintenance responsibilities to tenants, especially for historic properties leased to nonprofits. The committee directed staff to conduct title searches on certain properties to clarify ownership and prepare for potential subdivision. No formal votes on sales or disposals were taken, but the group emphasized the need for further information on zoning timelines, lease terms, and historic preservation mechanisms before making decisions. The meeting concluded with plans to continue discussions and receive additional staff reports at future meetings.