Wednesday, June 20, 2001
|
Wednesday, June 20, 2001 |
|
Tyrone group forms to fight school A group of Tyrone residents has joined to form the Tyrone Watch Committee with the purpose of promoting the proper growth of Tyrone through volunteer participation in the processes of government. Group leaders said TWC's goal is not to oppose growth, but to promote smart development consistent with the Tyrone land use plan and in compliance with the policies of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. This grass roots effort was spurred into action when Landmark School petitioned Tyrone to change zoning in a residential area along Farr Road to relocate its campus from Fairburn. The Tyrone Planning Commission May 31 voted to recommend denial of the school's request, but members point out that the Tyrone City Council could overturn that decision at its meeting Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Tyrone City Hall. Speaking for the group, Eric Allen, a resident of The Estates subdivision in Tyrone, cited 14 policies of GRTA that must be followed to comply with the need to preserve the region's clean air and water. He said GRTA's policies are designed to protect the environment by clustering growth close to town centers to minimize traffic impact, and that the Landmark proposal is in conflict with that. He also argued that the proposed Landmark School would be built in an environmentally sensitive area that supplies much of the area's drinking water. "Unlike previous years with ARC, GRTA has been given authority to overturn local authorities to accomplish the objectives of GRTA," said Allen. "The [Regional Development Plan] and [Regional Transportation Plan] are not to be feared; instead we should all insist on proper growth through stringent use of these plans." The TWC supports Landmark's desire to locate in the Tyrone area, Allen said, adding that the group wants the school to locate in an area the group feels will handle significant traffic, comply with the Tyrone land use plan, and the policies of GRTA. The Tyrone land use plan anticipates single family homes for the Farr Road property and adjoining area. The citizens group is concerned about Landmark's claim that only the immediate neighbors are objecting to the rezoning, Allen said. "This argument has been used successfully by other developers to overturn resident objections," he said. The group has members from other areas in Tyrone and is actively incorporating members from all parts of the community. "The computer has made it possible for private citizens to be more participatory in government and able to monitor the actions of our public representatives. Too often in our daily lives we do not maintain the vigilance necessary to protect our rights as citizens. I am completing work on a Web site that will be available to all Tyrone citizens to learn what actions have been taken that will impact their lives and learn how they can be involved," said Allen. Group member Charlene Koth said, "We welcome the Landmark School to Tyrone, but let's work together to find a location that will not adversely affect our residential areas. Too many communities in the Atlanta area have adopted land use plans and then not followed them. Most of us moved to Tyrone to escape the traffic congestion of other Atlanta communities. I am concerned about the impact this proposed project will have on the safety of our citizens and worry about the danger the increased traffic will present." The citizens' group is asking all Tyrone citizens to attend the Town Council meeting. Individual neighborhood activists are gathering signatures on petitions and educating neighbors about the plan. For information e-mail Allen at ericalle@bellsouth.net.
|
||