Friday, January 25, 2002
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Friday, January 25, 2002 |
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Debate on home rages in Senoia By JOHN
THOMPSON Things are not turning out for Senoia's new City Council like it had planned. Instead of a smooth transition, the council finds itself embroiled in one of the biggest controversies in years the fate of the "Blue House." Once again, people left Tuesday afternoon's City Council meeting shaking their heads and wondering if the issue would ever be resolved. The Council postponed voting on owner Chuck Smith's request to move the house from his property. The council could vote on the issue Feb. 4, but that's not a given. Smith told the council he wanted to move the house to his in-laws' property on old Ga. Highway 85. With the house moved, he would be free to sell the lot to Southern Bell. The company wants the property to expand its current operations in the city. The issue has pitted residents who want the house preserved because of its age and history to residents who say Smith should be able to do whatever he wants with his property. Senoia Area Historical Society president Perry Benson gave further information to the council Tuesday that the house cannot be moved unless the council has a general idea of what type of building would replace the home. But, Benson said, he's backing away from the issue because tempers are starting to flare and he's fearful for his general welfare. City attorney Drew Whalen told the council that a decision did not have to be made Tuesday. The council had previously denied Smith's request to tear down the home, but relocating it was a new application. The council could wait up to 45 days to decide, he added. In the meantime, Smith is paying a mortgage on the Blue House and his present home, and is growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of action by the council. Last week, he spray-painted signs on the home that showed his unhappiness with the council. During Tuesday's meeting, some residents implored the council to let Smith relocate the home. "Where was the historical society two years ago when he was trying to sell the house?" said resident Barry Hulsey. Smith stormed out of the meeting in disgust as the council once again deferred action on the issue.
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