By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

In the continuing battle against sprawl and heavy traffic, the Peachtree City Council is considering an ordinance that would keep supersized retail stores from locating in the city.

One such “big box” store is already on the way: Home Depot, which is an estimated 170,000 square feet. A Wal-Mart Supercenter is also in the early planning stages, though there may be a battle looming over whether it could meet the city's traffic ordinance.

Councilwoman Annie McMenamin said large retail stores don't fit into the city's village concept. The larger stores might force other smaller local stores out of business, she said.

If those small stores close, it would likely force residents of other villages in Peachtree City to travel further to shop elsewhere, McMenamin said.

Jim Williams, the city's director of developmental services, said the best way to handle the matter would be to put a maximum square footage limit on the stores. “That would send a clear message that might fend off some people,” he said.

Home Depot, once completed, would become the largest retail structure in town occupied by one business.

Mayor Bob Lenox said the city should come up with a list of criteria the retail developments must meet and include that in the ordinance.

“And if you meet those criteria, you're welcome (to locate in Peachtree City)” Lenox added.

Councilman Robert Brooks suggested the city determine what types of retail outlets it wants and aggressively recruit those businesses.

City attorney Rick Lindsey said council would have to advertise such an ordinance before officially adopting it since it relates to zoning issues.