Action Alert: Save Prince Ave

Urge the Mayor and County Commission to approve the proposed CDO for TSPLOST 2018 Project 16 Sub-Project #1 and #5 on Prince Ave for the safety of all road users. The 2022 Prince Ave Pilot Project was is a clear success. Traffic is calmer with fewer accidents (see bar chart from ACC Transportation & Public Works), and cyclists and pedestrians report feeling safer along the roadway. The area feels more people-oriented, so much so that even those business owners who initially had concerns now support the project because they’ve seen firsthand how more transportation options and increased safety infrastructure benefit communities.

It’s time to take what we’ve learned from the project and make it permanent. The improvements for a vote include optimizing two intersections (Cobb and Pulaski), installing more protective bike lane barriers, improving crosswalks, and adding ADA accessibility ramps.

On Tuesday, November 19th, the Athens Mayor and Commission held an agenda-setting meeting and heard public input about the proposed course of action. They will vote on December 3rd to implement or reject a Commissioner Defined Option (CDO) that protects the changes that keep the corridor safe for all road users. There is reason to believe that not all commissioners are eager to keep Prince Ave a safe place for all, which is why Athens needs you to speak up and make a difference!

Update (11/27/24): Commissioners Houle, Fisher, Link, and Wright wrote a Commission-Defined Option (CDO) for TSPLOST 2018 Project 16 that addresses some concerns raised at the Tuesday, November 17th meeting. This CDO protects the updated infrastructure on Prince Ave. Please ask the commission to approve the CDO as it has all the safety features of the original proposal.

Update (11/18/24): Athens SHOWED UP on Tuesday, November 17th, demonstrating overwhelming support for keeping Prince Ave a safe corridor for all road users. Empowered Athenians talked for nearly two hours—we must keep this momentum going during the December 3rd voting meeting.

The number of people giving input is important to commissioners, so it is worth your time to share your thoughts at the upcoming meeting even if you attended the agenda-setting meeting on November 17th. We encourage you to stay in line and speak regardless of how many other people are there. We want to stress that numbers matter to these decision makers.

If you missed the last meeting, Athens Political Nerd published a summary: “A long parade of speakers praised the three-lane configuration with no one speaking in opposition. Some residents focused their comments on the improved feeling of safety they now have along the road, whether they walk, bike or drive. Others focused on the benefits for Prince Avenue businesses, especially for restaurants with outdoor seating. Still others mentioned that they now feel safe to allow their children to walk to school for the first time.” Read more here (Athens shows up for Prince Avenue bike lanes, LGBTQ+ community) and view the full meeting on YouTube.

Four ways to speak up to keep Prince Ave people centered

Your voice matters, and the more people who contact the Mayor and Commissioner, the better a chance we have to keep these meaningful transportation changes. Try to focus your input on how these improvements will benefit our community by making Prince Avenue safer and more accessible for everyone. Remember, keep your comments respectful and constructive.

1. Give your input at a Mayor and Commissioner meeting

Speaking at a meeting is the most direct way to show your support. During the public comment portion of the meeting, you’ll be allowed 3 minutes to state your name and address and explain why it’s important to you that the county approves continuing Prince Ave safety measures by adopting the CDO. Consider practicing your remarks ahead of time and focusing on your connection to Prince and why these improvements matter to you.

The upcoming meeting’s agenda notes: “Prior to making a public comment, please fill out the form available on the table in the hallway to help ensure that your information is correctly entered into the minutes. Once you have spoken, please hand your form to the staff in front of the podium for the Clerk.”

Tuesday, November 19th or Tuesday, December 3rd
City Hall 301 College Ave
Meetings typically start at 6:00 p.m. with time for public comment early on

2. Reach out to your commissioner directly by phone or email

Use this search tool to look up your district’s commissioner and contact them directly. Whether you choose to email or call, be specific about your support for the Prince Avenue improvements by politely asking them to vote to approve the CDO on December 3rd. Share your experiences and explain why the project matters to you personally. Also, remember to include your address so your local representative knows you are a voter in their district.

3. Fill out the agenda comment form

If you cannot make one of the meetings in person, please fill out the public comment form, listing the Agenda Item Number, Letter, or Name as 15 TSPLOST 2018 Project 16, Prince Avenue Corridor Improvements. These comments are distributed to the mayor and all commissioners before the meeting.

4. Encourage your friends and family to do the same

Help amplify these efforts by spreading the word! Share this information with neighbors, post on social media, and encourage friends and family who use Prince Avenue to voice their opinions and submit comments. The more voices supporting these improvements, the stronger the message to our commissioners and the safer the roadway and sidewalks will be for everyone.

Remember, however you choose to use your voice, please keep your comments respectful and positive. Your words will help shape the future of Athens.

Countdown to Vote