Auto shop location moved

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

The location for Peachtree City’s satellite auto shop has been changed due to issues with the original site, which was adjacent to the city’s Police Department off Ga. Highway 74 south.

Instead, the auto shop will be built on McIntosh Trail adjacent to the city’s public works department. The change will also help make it easier from an operational standpoint, said City Public Information Officer Betsy Tyler.

The land near the police department had groundwater and stability issues that would be more costly to address, Tyler said.

Because the location was changed, the city’s resolution to seek long-term financing for the project had to be reapproved by the City Council. The resolution passed 4-1, with councilwoman Judi-ann Rutherford in opposition. She later told The Citizen she didn’t support the project because the cost was higher than originally budgeted and “no one has convinced me the need justifies the expense.

The project was originally budgeted $350,000 for the auto shop several years ago, but bids came in higher due to increased steel prices and other fluctuations brought the tab to $468,000. The city has awarded the construction contract to Fincher Construction.

The building will be financed over a 15-year period.

The auto shop will be staffed by two full-time employees.


		Friday, Jan. 28, 2005