Athens Township

Geography, Topography, and History

Athens Township is located centrally on the northern border of the County. The Township surrounds the area known as “the Valley” which includes: Athens, Sayre, and South Waverly Boroughs. It is bounded to the east by Litchfield Township, to the southeast by Sheshequin Township, to the south by Ulster Township, to the southwest by Smithfield Township, to the west by Ridgebury Township, and to the north by New York State. The Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers serve as the borders to the Boroughs inside the Township. A major thoroughfare for the Township is US Route 220, which runs north and south near the center of the township.

The Township of Athens was officially formed in 1797. Athens Township is believed to have John Secord as its first settler to arrive before the close of the Revolutionary War in 1778. A post office was established in Athens in 1800. In 1870, the population of the township was 2,256, according to census data.

Local Government and Current Data

There are five supervisors that govern the Township of Athens. Currently, the Township has a planning commission that consists of 5 members. The planning commission recently adopted the Township’s comprehensive plan in 2005. The Township addresses its own zoning ordinances with a zoning board that consists of 3 members. The Township has its own regulations that subdivisions and land developments must meet prior to being approved by the County. The Township of Athens consists of a more mountainous terrain than the Borough as it surrounds both sides of the valley. Round Top Park is located in the Township and maintained by the Township, it is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and offers a great view of the Valley. The Township also has a view of Tioga County, NY at the Tioga Point Lookout. There are a few churches located within the Township that include the New Life Mennonite Church and the Wesleyan Church.

<< Back