Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will the new College Square change your downtown Athens routine?

Also check out Piano Bar Happy Hour on the Athens Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM
Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Athens! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will the new College Square change your downtown Athens routine?
  • Confused about "Affordable" housing in Athens? Here's what it really means.
  • Will College Square's makeover push Athens' street food vendors aside?

Also on today's calendar: Harvey Street Coming to Georgia Theatre! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 88 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: A stray t-storm; not as warm, temps: high: 77, low: 62.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 73 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Athens redesigns downtown college square (redandblack.com) — Downtown Athens' redesigned College Square is set to officially reopen Oct. 24, giving residents a new car-free plaza for festivals, concerts, and everyday gathering. Funded largely by downtown parking revenue and local sales tax, the $7 million project aims to boost nearby businesses, reduce street-closure hassles for events, and could influence future improvements stretching toward the UGA Arch.
   

2. Affordable Housing FAQs and Key Terms (accgov.com) — If you're trying to understand affordable housing in Athens-Clarke County, this guide breaks down key terms, income limits, and how local programs work. It explains AMI, inclusionary zoning, the local land bank, tax-credit developments like NoDA, and free HUD-approved counseling so residents can better navigate renting, buying, or developing housing here.
   

3. ACC Commission to vote on change to downtown street food vendors (wuga.org) — Athens-Clarke County commissioners will vote Oct. 6 on whether to ban on-site cooking by street vendors in the newly renovated College Square, a move that could sideline longtime hot dog and food carts. Supporters cite grease damage and protecting the new plaza, while several commissioners and vendors argue the change could unfairly hurt small downtown businesses.
   

4. Kitten Survives 800-Mile Ride Under Car From NJ To Georgia (patch.com) — A kitten that unknowingly traveled nearly 800 miles from New Jersey to Georgia in a car's undercarriage has now been adopted by a family in the Athens area. After University of Georgia student Jadyn Sawyer and local rescuers worked with a repair shop to free him, the healthy, playful cat—named Jersey—quickly found a permanent home nearby.
   

📸 Around Athens

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Athens

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi there!
    My name is Lydia Burton, and I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticultural Therapy at the University of Georgia. I am the graduate student lead of Meet Me… (Nextdoor Whitehead Rd/Jefferson Rd)
  • **Update- He's home!
    Thanks everyone!!** Rocket hasn't been home in over 24 hours. If you've seen him, please let me know. He takes medication and we are worried about… (Nextdoor Country Club Estates)
  • University of Georgia posted a job opening for Ticket Office Student Assistant in Athens. Apply here.
  • AutoZone, Inc. posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor (Full Time) in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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