Athens commissioners adopt right-of-way ordinance updates, emphasize exceptions and outreach to homeless service providers

Athens-Clarke County commissioners on Jan. 6 adopted a set of ordinances revising code provisions related to use of public rights-of-way, obstruction of sidewalks and streets, and abandonment of personal property.

Attorney Drake read three separate ordinances tied to the agenda item; commissioners on the ad hoc right-of-way committee and other board members emphasized the stated goal is to balance public access with compassion for people experiencing homelessness. Committee members said the ordinances clarify previous ambiguous language, require warnings before citations and include exceptions, and they pledged to convene nonprofit service providers to explore options like secure lockers for belongings.

Commissioner Fisher, who brought the item forward from the ad hoc committee, said the changes are intended to support downtown businesses while not criminalizing unhoused people. Commissioners asked that police and nonprofit partners be included in follow-up meetings and requested a six‑month update that tracks citations, arrests and nonprofit referrals.

The commission voted in favor by voice vote after extended discussion. Several commissioners urged care in enforcement and reiterated a need for the Homeless Coalition to carry out research on locker programs and coordinated services.

What to watch: staff and the Homeless Coalition will report back with findings on lockers and a six-month enforcement/operation update; the county attorney and police department will clarify enforcement protocols and exception criteria.

Representative excerpt: "This is not to criminalize the homeless population," Commissioner Fisher said during debate.