|
||
Friday, Jan. 21, 2005
|
||
Bad
Links? |
Fairburn gets new watchdog groupBy LINDSAY BIANCHI After tabling much of Decembers agenda, the Fairburn City Council readied themselves at the January 10 meeting for another year of decision making. Several public comments opened the evenings agenda and the residents learned of a new group in town. J. Barkley Russell gave the results of the newly formed Fairburn Neighborhood Association. 65 people were in attendance at the neighborhood watch groups first gathering. Barkley said they would be the eyes and ears of the city. Five people volunteered to serve on a steering committee to develop by-laws and other guidelines for the association. Interest from at least two to three neighborhoods to start a neighborhood watch in the near future was also expressed. Barkley hopes more businesses will attend in the future. The groups next meeting will be February 13 at 4 p.m. to discuss code enforcement. A meeting March 13 is also planned to discuss youth activities. No meeting location has been given yet. Contact Barkley Russell at 770-964-6836. Resident Nell Smith also questioned some figures in the citys budget such as the $50,000 dog catcher fee and the new $29,500 telephone system. She also expressed concerns about safety issues in town concerning overpasses and underpasses commenting that they were dangerous. Miqdad Husein stood up next to announce his purchase of the shopping center at 274 Senoia Road and to invite businesses in the area to consider locating there. Public hearings followed with the proposed rezoning of the Whispering Pines subdivision from R-2 residential to R-2 residential green communities overlay. I am sure that this will be developed in a way that will compliment the neighborhood. City Administrator Jim Williams commented. With no opposition to be heard, the council discussed the request. Council Member Mario Avery was not convinced that the plan was solid. Council member Ron Alderman mentioned that there were four people in opposition to the request in December. Developer John Proffitt said When we come out of the project youll be proud. The motion passed with Councilman Avery voting against it. Comments were heard next concerning a variance request for the Avalon subdivision. A 3.6 foot rear yard setback was characterized by Rachel McCoy of 175 Avalon Terrace when she commented, My concern is that this isnt the first time that the builder has oops made a mistake. McCoy added that what the city approves isnt always followed through. A spokesperson for the Forest Homes, Inc., Dawn Nunley apologized for the building error saying the company brought it to the citys attention immediately. Pictures show that once its landscaped it will be OK. We have a buyer. Nunley said. The request passed unanimously with the understanding that future owners would be made aware of the setback. The mayor and council moved to extend the moratorium on development in the northwest quadrant of the city for 60 day, no later than March 11. The request passed unanimously. The conceptual site plan for Country Inn and Suites to be located on the northwest corner of the GA 74 and Oakley Industrial Boulevard was passed unanimously with the only comment coming from Councilman Avery who said he had problems with the plan. Finally a qualifying fee was set for the 2005 election of $90 for mayoral candidates and $45 for council member candidates. |
|
Copyright 2004-Fayette Publishing, Inc. |