Wednesday, April 3, 2002
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Wednesday, April 3, 2002 |
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PTC council chips in $15,000 for college classrooms at tennis center By JOHN
MUNFORD For what everyone hailed as good news for Peachtree City, a plan to have college courses taught at the city's tennis center was carefully scrutinized. In the end, however, the City Council approved spending $15,000 for the effort at its meeting Thursday night. The funds will buy furniture and equipment for the 3,500 sq. ft. space that will be made into two classrooms and three offices. Clayton State University plans to hold continuing education courses there and operate a small business development center. The equipment will remain in the city's possession for its use later; officials hope the idea takes off and the Board of Regents will agree to build a stand-alone university center in Peachtree City within about five years. Classes will likely begin in the fall, and that's one reason a council decision was needed quickly, said Chris Clark of the Fayette County Development Authority. A quick decision also allows for cost savings on the buildout of the space, which the Fayette County Development Authority has agreed to spend $50,000 for. "The Chamber of Commerce has committed to raising additional funds and sponsors so there won't be a burden on taxpayers," Clark said. Newnan Utilities has already committed to wiring the classrooms with its T-1 high-speed Internet connection for free, which would normally cost $40,000, said Virgil Christian, executive director of the Peachtree City Development Authority. Mayor Steve Brown, who supported the concept, said he would rather talk with the school board about using Starr's Mill High School to offer classes. But Clark pointed out that classroom space will be needed during the day which the school system won't be able to provide. Brown said one of his concerns is parking and traffic congestion. Christian said Clayton State has committed to scheduling classes so there would be no conflicts with events and tournaments at the tennis center. Christian said the expansion project at the tennis center will add 180 parking spaces and should have extra room for the estimated 40 students that would use the classrooms at one time. It was also noted that the first classes will be offered at night and there are no plans for Saturday classes in the first two years of the program. Councilman Steve Rapson said he was concerned about the funding since he was told by a university official that tuition only covers 30 percent of the costs. But Clark said the other 70 percent is covered by the university contracting with private businesses to train employees. One of the classrooms will have seating for 35 students and the other will have 12 desks for students to link their computers to the high-speed Internet line. Councilman Dan Tennant thanked Clark and Christian for their hard work on the project. Clark said the key was getting the space secured at a low cost since that's hard to find locally.
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