Wednesday, July 24, 2002
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Wednesday, July 24, 2002 |
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Steele jabs Pavilion annexation opponents By MONROE ROARK
Fayetteville Mayor Kenneth Steele spoke out at last week's City Council meeting in response to county officials who have criticized the recent annexation of property in Fayette Pavilion. The council voted Thursday night to annex and rezone 5.14 acres at the northwest corner of Ga. Highway 85 and New Hope Road. The issue has been on the council's agenda for several weeks while a few final details were ironed out. The new city zoning will be C-2, which is community commercial. That is less intense than the former county zoning of C-H, or highway commercial, according to city Planning Director Jahnee Prince. Mabel Bradshaw, a resident of New Hope Trail, told the council that the decision will create an island of unincorporated land, with her property constituting much of that island. She cited several letters she has sent to the city in recent months arguing that point. The county has also charged that the move creates an island, which is illegal. City officials have maintained that the move is proper and in the best interests of the city. After a very brief discussion period, Steele issued his statement. "I certainly have a difference of opinion with the leadership of the county commission on these items," he said. "I truly think they would better serve the community in working together, trying to address challenges facing the community in areas like transportation, rather than wasting our time and the taxpayers' money bringing suits against the various cities." The county has recently been embroiled in a controversial tug-of-war with the cities over perceived tax inequities. "They [county] need to realize that they represent the taxpayers of the cities of Fayetteville, Peachtree City, and Tyrone," said Steele. "We pay the preponderence of the taxes in this county." Steele said that 57.1 percent of all taxable property in the county last year was in the cities, which are home to 53 percent of the county's population. He added that more than 90 percent of the county's sales tax revenue is generated in the cities. "I would really like for our county commissioners to take note of that and provide a little support to the communities rather than constantly challenging them and taking the cities, i.e. the taxpayers and the citizens, and going to court," he said. "We disagree with their position, and we will pursue the position that we believe is proper for the city of Fayetteville." That concluded his remarks during the annexation discussion, although when the regular "Mayor's Comments" item came up near the end of the council agenda, he said, "I think I've made them. "I hope I have not offended anyone," he concluded. "But my patience has worn thin."
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