Friday, March 26, 2004
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Friday, March 26, 2004 |
| Council turns down senior living facility By JOHN THOMPSON With a packed house looking on, the Senoia City Council turned down a proposal to build down a senior living center in the city. By a 4-1 vote, the council decided the 42-acre site near the intersection of Pylant Street and Ga. Highway 16 was not suitable for the 184-room senior apartment site. Mayor Bob Hannah was the only positive vote for the proposal, while the rest of the council cited traffic concerns as one of the determining factors in turning down the center. Planner Bill Johnston had recommended the tract be rezoned to multifamily residential, because there was currently not a senior housing option in Senoia and the high density nature of the zoning would protect much of the greenspace on the property. But many of the residents did not agree with Johnston’s assessments. “I just have a great concern about the traffic. It would still be a dangerous intersection,” said Judy Belisle. Resident Bernice Crawford agreed with Belisle. “It’s just getting dangerous to walk down Pylant Street,” she said. But other residents favored the proposal. “I’m in favor of it. Progress is coming and I think it would be wonderful for the city,” said planning commission member Jack Merrick. Jan Boal cited the “environment-friendly” aspect of the proposal and said it would be good to have this type of housing available in the city. Developer John Donaldson said the property would be similar to Wesley Woods’ operation in northern Coweta County and pledged to work with the city on whatever restrictions they placed on the rezoning. But in the end, the council decided the development was not a good fit for the city.
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