Friday, August 15, 2003

Golf course acreage rezoned

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special To The Citizen

In an attempt to rein in the acreage once known as the Bear Claw Golf and Country Club, the Fairburn City Council approved a rezoning Monday night of the area now to be developed as Durham Lakes Golf and Country Club off Virlyn B. Smith Road.

Developer J.T. Williams of Stockbridge, has taken on the project with the understanding that Fairburn's Council Members will be keeping a close eye on it's progress.

"We have been jacked around," Councilman Glenn Higgins said. "That's the biggest joke that has ever been in Fairburn is Bear Claw."

"Nobody's ever done anything down there but make a mess," added Councilman Harvey Melear.

Williams, owner of Killearn Properties, began his business in Tallahassee, Florida where his father was mayor. He has developed many golfing communities in the South including Eaglebrook and Eagle's Landing in Georgia.

"We are very, very careful in what we do," Williams assured the council. "We want to give a lot back to the community."

Along with his three sons, Burt, Joe and David Williams, who are all part-owners in the company, the family-owned business is "delighted and proud to be in Fairburn." Williams said.

Consisting of 872 lots on about 570 acres of the original development, the new concept was reviewed by the Planning Commission August 5. A more detailed design was presented consisting of three levels of residential lots ranging in size from 6,000 square feet to just over 11,000 square feet. Nearly 175 acres of the development is the golf course which stretches throughout the community.

With a clearer set of guidelines set down, Durham Lakes Golf and Country Club should complete construction by 2006.