Commission continues to consider rezoning

The Athens Planning Commission discussed a rezoning proposal that would give the zoning board more control over businesses coming into the city.

The proposal, discussed at Thursday's meeting, would rezone the city's B-1 areas to a revised form of the R-3 classification.

The current B-1 zones allow business and residential use. The revised R-3 would permit residential use, but the zoning board would have to approve new businesses. If the proposal is ratified, the current B-1 zone would be eliminated, and those areas would become R-3 zones.

Another possible reclassification for some of the current B-1 zones would be the equivalent of the current B-2, Mayor Ric Abel said. B-2 classifications allow commercial and residential use, but residences are not permitted on the first floor of new structures.

The commission will continue to examine the B-1 zones during their next few meetings until the members are prepared to vote on a recommendation. After a public hearing on the recommendation, it can be presented to City Council.

Although all new businesses would need the zoning committee's approval, Abel said the proposed rezoning could encourage commercial development in Athens. If approved, the revised R-3 zones would be freed for conditionally permitted new businesses, whereas the current R-3 does not allow business use.

— John Fischer