Friday, June 14, 2002

Councilman questions open space rule in Fairburn

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

A proposed open space zoning category is drawing fire from at least one Fairburn City Councilman.

"I just don't see what good it does the city. It's all for the developer," said Councilman Harvey Melear.

The open space ordinance was to be discussed and either approved or turned down Monday night, but Mayor Betty Hannah asked for it to be tabled until the July 8 meeting, so the council could have more time to study it.

The open space category would allow developers to build on smaller lots if they dedicated permanent green space to the city, said city planner Bill Johnston.

Johnston said the number of lots would not increase in the development. Instead, they would just be closer together with greenspace left for the residents to enjoy.

But Melear said developers would not seek the zoning category if they had a perfect piece of property to develop.

"The only time they'll ask for this is when they have some land that's already not buildable," he said.

Johnston did say that was possible, but said any greenspace donated to the city could be counted in the city's 20 percent of open space that Gov. Roy Barnes is seeking.

The planner said the developer's lot size would be determined by how much of the property would be dedicated as greenspace.

"The good things for the city would be less pavement and less utilities to run," he said.

Johnston also said the house size would not be slashed as a result of the smaller lots.

The City Council is expected to render a final decision July 8.