The Athens City Council on Monday decided to delay a rezoning vote for two weeks while they gather more information pertinent to the request.

Council President Chris Seibert’s decision to delay action came after at least a dozen people voiced their opinion on the proposal to rezone 24 acres from general business district to multifamily district in order to allow luxury apartments. At least 120 people attended the meeting, the majority of which were against the proposed rezoning.

The 15 owners of the property plan to sell to a development company that is planning a luxury apartment complex containing 480 units.

Prior to the meeting, the Athens Planning Commission recommended the rezoning, though the vote was close. Four recommended rezoning the property, while three voted against and one abstained.

This was the second time the project came before the Planning Commission. It had previously been considered at a July 17 meeting, but commissioners didn’t have much supporting information for the development, including a traffic study.

At Monday’s meeting, Developer Tim Barton with J&J Development and several others mounted a hearty defense of the project in a standing-room-only City Council Chambers. The vast majority in attendance, however, were passionate in their stance against the project. Most said they didn’t mind growth, but added they didn’t want the development in their back yard.

The area eyed for the development is on the west side of Lindsay Lane South and immediately north of the Whitfield Colony subdivision. The developers would extend Kelli Drive to run to the southern edge of the development and intersect with Lindsay Lane.

Both the Planning Commission and City Council were asked by residents what made the development a Class A development. Barton explained it had everything to do with financial stability and less to do with amenities. However, he said the amenities — granite countertops, swimming pools, clubhouses, sidewalks, green space and designated pet areas — are what you would find in a Class A luxury apartment complex.

“We have a problem with existing neighbors that don’t want this,” he said, adding there are only about 25 homes that would be directly impacted by the development. “There’s 99 percent of the community who will benefit from this development. We’ll be putting in a $1 million tax base for the other residents who live here.”

Barton said there had been “misinformation” being spread on social media about the project. He also added he has met all the requirements as set forth by the city for the development.

Local engineer Taz Morrell of Morrell Engineering presented the master plan to both bodies. He urged approval because the development is permitted on that property based on what the Planning Commission and City Council approved five years ago when they adopted the current zoning ordinance and land-use plan.

Morrell pointed out Harold Wales, who serves on both bodies, voted in favor of the current zoning ordinance. Morrell also said public meetings were held before the zoning ordinance was approved and residents were invited to attend.

He also urged the council to visit the apartments at the Village of Providence in Huntsville if they wanted a closer look at the type of apartment development being proposed.

Traffic concerns

Most of those who spoke against the development were concerned about the level of traffic on Lindsay Lane. Julie Lenoir of Birmingham-based Skipper Consulting presented the findings of a traffic study to both bodies as well as recommendations.

She said the three-lane portion of Lindsay Lane could accommodate 20,800 vehicles and currently accommodates 6,225. The traffic study was conducted in August at peak hour, which is when most people would be getting off work and returning home.

It was pointed out that Athens City Schools was not in session when the traffic study was conducted, but Lenoir said school traffic would not add a significant impact. Additionally, she said if the apartments are approved, it would only add 1,200 cars per day to the three-lane section of Lindsay Lane.

Some residents were concerned about the Kelli Drive extension being used a thru-street for the public, but Morrell explained “traffic calming” measures like speed tables would be added to keep speed down.

Lenoir also suggested installing a lane for drivers traveling north on Lindsay Lane that would force them to make a U-turn to access Kelli Drive from Lindsay Lane. Similar U-turn lanes are in place in Orange Beach and on U.S. 280. Also, drivers exiting Kelli Drive onto Lindsay Lane would be able to turn right only.

Public comments

The following is a brief synopsis of some the public comments made at Monday’s meeting:

• Betty Dean Newman: “What we’ve got is a hotbed of apathy. I’ve been excited about the way Athens is growing. I’m not against the progress.”

• Brandon Hicks: “This is about protecting our lifestyle. Say no; let them put in a business if they want.”

• Michael Lambert speaking to the council: “Be the knight at the gate and guard who comes in and guard it well.”

• Allen Creasy to developer: “Your investment is no more important than my investment. It may not be as large as yours, but it’s just as important to me. Don’t stand up here and say that because people are concerned about their lives that they’re selfish. That’s bull crap.”