Council meets to discuss Union Street renovations, the west side mural and money to aid in resources for sexual assault investigation.
Though reconstruction is already on its way for the buildings affected more than a year ago by the Union Street fire, some building owners are experiencing a few setbacks.
Guy Phillips, property owner with Housing Hotlink which owns 14 ½ and 16 W. Union St., took the podium Monday night to thank Athens City Council for its support of his application for tax credit for his property on 16 West Union St.
The tax credits would help offset the cost of renovation.
Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, proposed passing a one-reading resolution for continued support of redevelopment.
Councilman Pat McGee, I-At Large, questioned the timeline of the construction, and Phillips said he hoped to be finished by the fall quarter.
Focus shifted from past issues to one that Athens residents and officials are currently tackling.
Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said the Ohio University Police Department requested $5,000 to help with investigations into the string of three sexual assaults that were connected with DNA evidence.
“It’s an issue I take seriously,” Butler said.
Council did not mention whether it would allocate any money to the neighboring department.
Butler also introduced the ARTS/West Mural Project. Jolena Hansbarger, an OU student studying printmaking, took to the podium to present her ideas for the mural.
Hansbarger said the inspirations for the mural will come from mythology, astrology and the westside of Athens. Going into greater detail, she said part of it will be done in glow-in-the-dark paint.
The project is fully paid for through a grant and would not require use of public dollars. Hansberger wants to outline the mural and then invite anyone in Athens to participate in painting it on Athens Beautification Day.
“I think it's brilliant,” Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, said. “I think it's something we, as Athens, can get behind.”
Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, had concerns about the location of the mural on the west side, citing previous controversy caused by the location.
Athens community members have protested the placement of the mural, saying it is not fitting for it to be in a residential area, Papai said.
“I live on the west side, and I want to help beautify it,” Hansberger said.
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McGee wanted the mural to be placed in a more central location.
“I love the design, I’m not too sold on the location,” McGee said. "Display it not only on the west side but where all of Athens can see it on like Union and Court (street)."
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