Athens’ law director says a zoning proposal to allow emergency housing shelters uptown is legally complexATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) – An opinion issued by the Athens city law director this week could complicate a zoning proposal to allow three temporary housing shelters in a North Congress Street parking lot. Eliason suggested the proposal could open the city up to legal action if council later denies a similar request. The opinion also stated in its conclusion that both zoning proposals could be subject to a referendum — a citizens’ effort to repeal an ordinance through a ballot measure. “The city and council are doing their due diligence, and I think we’ll know more after Monday’s meeting,” she said. Planning Committee chair and Councilmember Alan Swank said the committee will consider both proposals and the law director’s opinion during its meeting Monday.