By MONROE ROARK
mroark@thecitizennews.com

Carolyn Ford's expansion plans will take a bit longer before getting any official approval from the city of Fayetteville.

What was expected to be the highlight of last week's Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission meeting turned out to be a nonevent, as the issues involving the automotive retailer were tabled to allow further discussion with city staff.

A development plan submitted by Carolyn Ford called for a massive increase in showroom and outside display space, and the company asked for a variance on the city's setback and buffer requirements so that it could be constructed.

The Planning and Zoning Commission made it clear, however, at the June 13 meeting that such a plan would not fly in the city's Main Street District.

Planning Director Maurice Ungaro told the commissioners last Tuesday night that Carolyn Ford had asked to table the requests, and a meeting with city staff was scheduled for July 10. The company would not come back before the commission before August, Ungaro said.

The motion to table passed unanimously without discussion, and no representatives of Carolyn Ford were present.

Because of the commission's quick action, John Wieland Homes representatives, who arrived at the meeting late, were unable to see their request denied. An engineer working on the Lakeside at Redwine residential project was able to address the commission later in the evening, but there was little discussion beyond that.

Wieland asked for permission to take out a loop road in the third phase of the subdivision and make two cul-de-sac streets instead. City staff recommended denial, and the commission agreed.

Commission Chairman Myron Coxe said that the city was not in favor of long cul-de-sacs , and homeowners in Phase I bought their property knowing the previous development plan would be in place.

The applicants can appeal to the City Council if they so desire.

A development plan for the Georgia 85 retail center next to Waffle House was tabled for further review and discussions with city staff.

Walgreen's got approval of development plans for the store under development at Banks Road and Ga. Highway 314. Ungaro told the commission that the developers had changed the alignment of a connector road running between Hwy. 314 and Ga. Highway 85 to save several trees on the property.

Commissioners had some concerns about traffic lights being so close together, after a representative of the applicant said that lights would be installed on both highways next to the store.

A request for The Avenues at Fayette Pavilion concerning elevations was tabled at the applicant's request.