Wednesday, June 25, 2003
|
Wednesday, June 25, 2003 |
24-hour car wash denied by PTC Planning CommissionBy MICHAEL
BOYLAN
Tom Hardy of Omni Consulting and his client agreed to all of the conditions city planner David Rast and the Peachtree City Planning Commission wanted for a proposed 24-hour car wash that was to be located in the Georgian Park/Newgate Road area, but it still wasn't enough. The Planning Commission denied the request at Monday night's meeting, which pleased the very vocal crowd of concerned citizens from the Georgian Park condominiums and the St. Simon's Cove subdivision. The Georgian Park car wash came before the planning commission at their last meeting as a workshop item. The conditions that they were asked to follow included eliminating entrances off Georgian Park, staying consistent with the color scheme and of other buildings in the area, berming and extensive landscaping at the edge of the parking area to provide extra noise abatement and designing a stormwater detention facility that would preserve the vegetation among others. Hardy stated that his client was receptive to all of these conditions and would follow all ordinances and laws from both the city and the state. When it appeared the plan was going to be denied, Hardy stated that if the 24-hour-a-day operation was the real sticking point his client would only keep the car wash open during the same hours as the neighboring gas station. All of the members of the commission responded that the hours of operation were not their only concern. Before the citizens had their chance to speak out, commission member Bob Buckley, who was not in attendance for the last meeting, asked his share of questions and addressed his concerns about the project. "I don't see that this is something the city would approve," said Buckley, stating that it did not match with the other buildings in the area which include medical and professional offices. City planner David Rast answered Buckley by stating, "My job is not to look at likes and dislikes but rather to look at permitted use in zonings." Buckley responded by saying, "I'd like to believe we are not compelled to recommend this." "On the staff level, it meets requirements," said Rast. "The Planning Commission does have more leeway, though, and can look at the health, safety and welfare of the community when making its decision." And that is what the Planning Commission did. All of the members of the planning commission in attendance Ray Green, Bob Buckley, Wes Saunders and Dennis Payton felt that while the car wash met the criteria and was a proper use in the general commercial zoning, its location did not seem appropriate. "It is more about what is right, than what is legal," said Green. Saunders agreed stating that it was a "quality of life issue." The applicant can appeal the decision to the City Council within the next five days. If he or she does so, it would appear before the city council at their next meeting.
|
||