Friday, September 27, 2002
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Friday, September 27, 2002 |
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Commercial-residential rezone on Peachtree City's southside could lead to Rockaway Rd. fix By JOHN
MUNFORD
For months, Senoia's Mayor Dianne Cleveland and the City Council have been looking for a traffic fix at the intersection of Ga. Highway 74 and Rockaway Road. The solution may now come from a combined commercial-residential zoning for 125 acres in Peachtree City off Ga. Highway 74. The development was approved unanimously by the city's Planning Commission Monday night and could provide the impetus for fixing the dangerous intersection. The developer, Piedmont Properties, wants to build 124 homes on 37 acres along with two commercial parcels on just over six acres directly off the highway. The remainder of the property, which is in the flood plane, would be donated to the city for use as a nature center. Piedmont also plans to realign Rockaway Road so it will line up with the new traffic light at Holly Grove Church Road. Peachtree City and Senoia officials have talked about placing a traffic light at the current intersection, but the new development could solve the problem. The rezoning cannot take affect unless it is approved by the Peachtree City Council, which is slated to take the matter up at its October 17 meeting. The commission's approval constitutes only a recommendation to council. The property is currently zoned general industrial. The two commercial parcels will be on either side of the new Rockaway Road. A Fayetteville bank has already committed to using one of those sites, said Marvin Isenberg of Piedmont Properties. Neither of the two commercial parcels will have direct access to the highway. The site is to the south of Falcon Field Airport, and Isenberg agreed to note the airport's proximity in both the final plat for the development and the deed restrictions. Airport officials had expressed concern about the subdivision since planes taking off and landing at Falcon Field could spark noise complaints from area residents. Andrew Bolton, the airport's assistant manager, said planes landing there will likely be about 600 feet off the ground as they pass over the proposed subdivision. Jet airplanes make a "considerable" amount of noise when landing and although there aren't many jets flying through Falcon Field, there could be more in the future, Bolton said. Piedmont Properties also wants to provide a new access road to the city's Meade softball complex. Although the majority of the lots in the subdivision will be designed with seniors in mind, it could also be attractive to younger families because of the proximity to the Starrs Mill school campus, several commissioners said. The commission asked Isenberg to get an updated letter from Fayette school officials to determine the potential impact the development will have on the school system. The most recent letter on file was from last year when the plans for the subdivision were different. Piedmont Properties is also asking the city to help it submit paperwork so it possibly can be reimbursed for the cost of realigning Rockaway Road by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The road relocation project may begin quickly to coincide with efforts from Georgia Power to relocate its transmission lines along the new Rockaway Road, Isenberg said.
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