The Athens‑Clarke County Mayor and Commission on Nov. 18 suspended rules to consider a single special item and approved a partnership to build the College Square Pedestrian Plaza.

David Lynn, co‑director of the Athens Downtown Development Authority, thanked the mayor and commission for the partnership and said the project will be “one of the premier public spaces in Georgia.” He told the commission the authority had assembled designers, planners and engineers to help deliver the plaza and described it as a high‑profile downtown amenity.

Commissioner Hamby moved to place the project on the floor and Commissioner Wright seconded. After brief remarks noting the project had grown in cost and that the Downtown Development Authority planned to help make up the difference, the commission voted in favor of the motion with no recorded opposition. The clerk announced the motion carried.

The item was added under suspension of the rules as new business and will proceed through any follow‑up implementation steps and project agreements described in staff reports.