Athens Planning Commission Tables Georgia Square Overlay District Again

Athens-Clarke County planning commissioners tabled a special overlay district for the Georgia Square Mall redevelopment a second time, against the advice of assistant county attorney Austin Jackson. The district was requested by the county government rather than developer The Leaven Group, through a July resolution. Commissioners asked for revisions, but Planning Director Bruce Lonnee presented the proposal essentially unchanged at the Sept. 3 meeting. Commissioner Matthew Hall said staff were told not to revise it, and accused the manager's office of stonewalling. Advisory body chair Kristen Morales called the process completely inappropriate. The Leaven Group seeks to double apartment density from 25 to 50 bedrooms per acre, which could reach up to 4,000 multifamily bedrooms, or almost 6,000 with inclusionary zoning. Commissioners want a minimum amount of greenspace and commercial space, and the commission will consider the district a third time on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Via Flagpole: https://flagpole.com/news/city-dope/2026/09/30/georgia-square-mall-redevelopment-hits-another-snag/