City Council sees a better future ahead for The Ridges, hears ACEDC annual report

Athens City Council discussed the future of The Ridges in depth on Monday night, alongside hearing the Athens County Economic Development Council’s (ACEDC) annual economic report. 

City Council President Christine Knisely started the meeting by explaining that the changes to The Ridges signals, “an encouraging time for the Athens community.” 

Revitalization efforts began with a framework plan implemented in 2015. This year, the Appalachian Regional Commission grant was given to Athens to continue planning and analyzing The Ridges.

Joseph Recchie, the CEO of Community Building Partners, presented before council on a redevelopment plan for The Ridges. According to Recchie, the overall strategy for The Ridges is to repurpose the space for economic gain and  focus on the historical aspect of The Ridges, as outlined in the plan to keep the original exterior style of each building. 

The interior building changes will provide affordable housing opportunities, such as senior citizens homes and artisans homes, while including a few commercial buildings. The project is in the early stages of development, with the initial cost estimated to be around $60 million. Recchie stressed the positive outcome of the redevelopment through how the surrounding area will be affected through tax on the said housing and commercial buildings.

"The school (Ohio University) receives the benefit of the school portion of the taxes. The county receives its portion and the city, of course, receives income tax revenue from residents and workers at the same time," Recchie said. 

Mollie Fitzgerald, executive director of the ACEDC, presented the ACEDC’s annual report. The annual report entailed how funds have been attained and a slideshow that showcased where money has been spent in 2022 and where it will be spent in the upcoming year. Fitzgerald highlighted the efforts Athens has made to continue the circulation of revenue in the area.

“80% of our time is on business expansion, so the businesses that are already here… how do we continue to help them grow and expand,” Fitzgerald said. 

Councilmember Sam Crowl stated the following appropriations titles and all were approved of with no questions from council: AFSCME 3351 fire department contract, APR Debt Fund, General Fund, Third Party Health Insurance Administrator and the Stop-Loss Excess Loss Medical insurance.