Athens City Council was joined Monday by Eduard Balashov, Rector’s Assistant for International Relations and Fundraising at Ostroh Academy, during his visit to the U.S. facilitated by Sister Cities International. The Council also discussed ways to address the city’s housing crisis.
In Mayor Steve Patterson’s address to the Council, Patterson welcomed Balashov and encouraged a continuation of their international relationship.
“We have the honor and privilege of having the soon-to-be new rector for the National University Ostroh Academy, Eduard Balashov, here with us,” Patterson said. “He's been working hard at Ohio University in his time here to continue to establish a relationship.”
In his response, Balashov highlighted the similarities between the partner cities and universities and thanked every American supporting Ukrainian war efforts.
“I will have a lot of information to be sent to my staff, to my university and professors,” Balashov said. “Thank you so much Mayor Patterson for making this, my visit, happen … I do believe that the cooperation will be becoming more fruitful and useful for both sides.”
Council passed an ordinance amending Athens City Code to allow the construction of new family housing units on Athens East Side.
Councilmember Alan Swank, D-4th ward, said the ordinance could open as many as 25 lots for new buildings.
“This will hopefully address some of the housing issues we have here in Athens,” Swank said. “The biggest change is lot size within the city. Right now, to build a house on a lot, you need 8,000 square feet which is rather large, probably larger than 80 to 90% of the existing lots in town.”
Similarly, Council passed an ordinance surrounding regulations and permitted modifications of fences, walls and terraces.
To conclude the meeting, council read ordinances regarding land annexation, outdated fire equipment, solar panel acquisition and designated event vendor spaces for the first time.
