Wednesday, October 15, 2003

Are Target developers above the law in PTC?

I am astonished with the situation regarding the big box retail power center targeted for Kedron Shopping Center and the series of events that have led to its seemingly insinuated approval.
A beautiful forest and a meandering cart path currently occupy the land, yet we the citizens of Peachtree City are being treated like the building and parking lots are already there. We are being treated as if Peachtree City has no ordinances regarding development. We are being treated as if Faison, the developer, has been given full approval to build anything they could conjure up.
I am speaking about the “proposed conceptual site plan” for the development of Kedron Shopping Center Phase II and III presented by Faison and supported by Peachtree City’s development department.
Over the last several weeks the citizens of Peachtree City have found and presented not only the laws and ordinances that this plan violates but have also found and shared the many supporting documents that detail the creation of these ordinances. These supporting documents include clear descriptions and advice as to what can and cannot be built. The proposed 269,000 square foot regional retail power center with nearly 1,100 parking places is clearly not allowed in Peachtree City. The city so far has refused to respond to the facts presented to them.
Battles between developers and concerned citizens are not uncommon, and based on the scope of this development, conflict was all but certain. What baffles me each day is that the burden of proof falls on the shoulders of the citizens as to why the development cannot proceed. It seems the developer is proceeding without any requirement to demonstrate why they can.
How is it that the developer has no burden of proof to verify that they can build the largest retail development in Peachtree City more than three years after this type of development was outlawed?
The citizens do not want to change the law; we want it enforced. The developer wants to ignore the law, and it appears that they are being allowed to do just that.
If a small group of concerned citizens did not attend a planning commission meeting held in early August, Faison would have received permission to violate our city’s ordinances. If citizens were not vigilant, the building ordinances in this city wouldn’t be enforced.
If the law is not enforced now the precedent of this shopping center will have an impact on every future development and an undesirable daily impact on the lives of every citizen in Peachtree City.
What is the solution? The proposed conceptual site plan must be disapproved. The site must be developed in accordance with Peachtree City ordinances. Unless, of course, Faison can prove otherwise!
Brad Jubin
Peachtree City, Ga.


What do you think of this story?
Click here to send a message to the editor.


Back to Opinion Home Page
|
Back to the top of the page