Twenty-two interest groups met at the city of Athens' second town hall meeting at the Athens Community Center last night.
The groups covered topics relating to environment, transportation, historic and cultural resources, housing and neighborhoods, uptown and economic development and improving communication between government and citizens.
The improving bicycle transportation group suggested creating an educational brochure about sharing the road with motor vehicles. Other transportation groups discussed improving the accessibility and condition of sidewalks.
Some of the environment groups discussed planting more trees by the Hocking River and establishing a permanent location for the Athens Farmers' Market.
Each group selected a coordinator who would decide their next meeting time. However, some groups collectively decided to dissolve because their projects would require professional attention or their needs could be met by other groups or city services.
More than half the groups are meeting again
in fact I think most of the groups are meeting again. To me that's a sign of success said June Holley, one of the organizers of the meeting.
Holley said she plans to organize a meeting of the coordinators to see what support they need and how the groups are doing. She said she expects progress from at least half of the groups by the next meeting on June 23.
City officials and members of the planning commission were impressed by the night's turnout.
We expected about 100 (people) but at least 150 showed up
said Athens City Planner Paul Logue.
People want to come out whenever they see a problem
but you guys come out because you want to be involved
he said.
(Participating in the meeting) is part of being a responsible citizen
said attendee Dick Hogan.
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Gail Burkhardt
