Despite the objections of homeowners in the Kedron Hills subdivision, the Peachtree City Council granted a height variance for an office park that is slated become the new home of a Fortune 500 company.

The variance was approved 3-2, with council members Annie McMenamin and Dan Tennant opposing. McMenamin said she didn't want council to set a legal precedent and open the door to numerous similar requests in the future.

Tennant said he sided with the Kedron Hills residents and if the company decided to locate elsewhere because of a denial to the height variance, another company will locate in the city to take its place.

The name of the company which is planning to relocate to the office building was not mentioned at the meeting.

Supporters of the variance pointed out that the building's height would be lower with the variance than if the building was built at the existing grade.

Residents near the neighborhood complained they would be able to see the office complex through the "buffer" of trees that stands between the subdivision and the project. They claimed the complex would lower the values of their homes and create a traffic nuisance.

City Attorney Rick Lindsey told council that if the motion was worded properly, it wouldn't have to worry about fending off lawsuits from others who want height variances at a later date.

Council also approved a variance request for MA Industries so it could expand its operations. The company had petitioned to eliminate the required setback so it could relocate an existing building.

There was discussion about having MA Industries plant some trees on the property to compensate for the variance, but it was eventually decided it was not fair to take such action.

Council also approved funding $5,000 for playground equipment at Oak Grove Elementary School on Crosstown Road, based on the theory that local residents have access to the school and will be able to use the equipment.

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