Athens resident criticizes student housing rents as exacerbating local homelessness crisis

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Planning Commission meeting held on January 2, 2025, in Warner Robins, Houston County, Georgia, featured a significant discussion regarding housing issues in Athens, particularly concerning mixed-density developments. The meeting began with public comments, where resident Ann Lewis addressed the commission about the impact of high rental prices on the local housing crisis.

Lewis highlighted the exorbitant rents charged by certain developers, specifically mentioning WA Engineering's involvement in projects like the Standard, the Mark, and Accent Lake. She pointed out that the lowest studio apartment rent at Accent Lake starts at $1,159, with higher-end options reaching $1,859. Lewis argued that these prices exacerbate the housing crisis in Athens, contributing to rising homelessness rates. She noted that every $100 increase in rent correlates with a 10 to 15 percent increase in homelessness.

Lewis expressed concern that the developments primarily cater to students, who often rely on student loans to afford such housing, rather than addressing the needs of the broader community. She shared her personal experience as a renter in Athens, contrasting her previous rent of $750 for a two-bedroom apartment with the current market rates.

Following her remarks, the commission allowed a representative from WA Engineering to respond. The representative clarified that WA Engineering is an engineering firm and not a developer, emphasizing that the rents discussed were set by their clients, who are separate developers involved in student housing projects.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges related to housing affordability in Athens and the complexities surrounding new developments. The Planning Commission is expected to continue addressing these issues as they consider future projects and their potential impacts on the community.

Converted from 01-02-2025 Planning Commission meeting on January 04, 2025
Link to Full Meeting