The Red and Black

By MARK NIESSE Staff Writer

The Student Government Association wants Athens-Clarke County to repeal its single-family housing ordinance, even if doing it means getting 5,000 signatures.

Repealing the ordinance, which doesn't permit more than two unrelated people to live in the same residence in some areas, is the emphasis of SGA's recently formed external affairs committee.

If the ACC Commission doesn't change the zoning, SGA may try to put a referendum on the ballot in the next election. SGA would need 5,000 signatures from ACC registered voters who are also residents, said Chris Hoofnagle, chair of the SGA committee.

"The current application of the law holds students as second-class citizens," Hoofnagle said. "The ACC Commission's arguments in favor of the ordinance don't hold water."

Marilyn Farmer, who represents the 6th District, said she's not sure there's "enough sympathy on the commission" to change the ordinance.

"What hurts students are those who don't respect the neighborhoods by having regular weekend parties and other activities that disturb and disrupt families," Farmer said.

New SGA President Brett Newman accused ACC government of "dirty politics" Tuesday night because of the ordinance.

In order to change the ordinance, commission staff would have to research zoning alternatives and put a resolution on its agenda for a vote.

"There's no reason the commission would change the ordinance," Hoofnagle said.

"Instead of painting all students with a wide brush, (ACC government) should make behavior standards," Hoofnagle said. "We will win this fight."

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