Council advances first reading to convey surplus parcel for eight Welcome Home Ohio houses and creates pavilion fund

Council read Ordinance 29‑26 for the first time authorizing conveyance of a surplus city parcel on Hudson Avenue to Community Building Partners LLC to support a Welcome Home Ohio project that sponsors said would create eight homes for first‑time buyers.

Council member Swink described plans to raze an old city garage and build eight houses; proceeds from those sales would seed a recycling fund to support additional housing construction over time. Swink framed the proposal as a response to local housing shortages and said two more readings are expected before the council acts.

Separately, Council member Thomas introduced Ordinance 36‑26 to create a dedicated Athens Multi‑Purpose Pavilion Fund to receive donations and grants for a pavilion to host the farmers market and community events. Thomas said the city secured a $300,000 state appropriation for the pavilion but noted total project costs will be higher and state approval to create the fund may take about 30 days.

Council discussed donation mechanisms during the meeting, including a suggestion to explore online giving functions such as a QR code; Mayor Patterson and staff agreed to check with the relevant department director (Katherine N. Jordan) about whether online donation options exist.

Both measures were at first reading; sponsors indicated they will return for subsequent readings and potential suspensions where appropriate.