During last night's regular session, Athens City Council approved additional funds necessary to cover design costs in renovating the Armory building for use as a historical museum and genealogical library.
The historical society originally was given $7,500 to spend on design costs. But because of a misunderstanding, $2,500 of it was used for a computer, causing a gap in funding, said Councilwoman Nancy Bain, D-3rd ward. The approved ordinance, which appropriated $2,500 from the tourism fund, will clear up the misunderstanding about the available money.
The new museum has the potential to draw in tourism to the city, and at the very least is a good use of public funds, Bain said. A presentation of the proposed design will be Oct. 27.
Council members also requested the city planning commission's recommendations for revisions to the zoning code. The conversion of front yards into parking lots has concerned council members, and Councilman Ed Baum, R-at-large, requested a clearer definition of a driveway and parking area.
Councilwoman Carol Patterson, D-2nd ward, and Bain both said they agreed that a better definition is a step in the right direction. But Patterson said she is unsure that a new definition would appropriately address the problem of converting the front lawn to a parking lot.
Patterson said she eventually wants to have a clarification on the percentage of lot versus the percentage of green space.
In other council news, members discussed increasing the motorcycle permit cost from $12 to $30 per year for one motorcycle. Permits for additional motorcycles owned by the permit holder or their spouse were proposed to increase from $18 to $50, Patterson said.
Also, a committee meeting to further discuss the proposed Campus Edge development will be Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Patterson said residents of Greenbriar and the Dairy Barn area who have specific concerns are encouraged to attend.
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Jen Strawn
