Friday, July 22, 2005

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

County objects to Senoia’s latest growth plan

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Senoia’s efforts to expand its boundaries hit a roadblock at the Coweta County Commission Tuesday night.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to object to the city’s request to annex 260 acres on Ga. Highway 16, near the Cumberland Subdivision. In the proposal presented to the county, Senoia officials said the developer wants to build 235 homes on half-acre lots on the property.

The property would be rezoned to R-40 Conservation Subdivision in the city, which would leave more than half the property as greenspace. In his application for rezoning, Hampton developer Tom Reese explains why he wants to be annexed.

“The R40 Conservation Zoning proposed will offer an innovative quality development that the city will be proud of, while preserving and protecting natural habitats and landscapes within the vast amount of greenspace provided,” Reese wrote.

But the county has quite a different take on the issue.

“Isn’t this the same song and dance we’ve gone through before?” said Commissioner Leigh Schlumper.

In his recommendation to the county commissioners, Planning Director Robert Tolleson outlined his main issues with the annexation.

First, the increased density would be more than 25 percent higher than is currently allowed in the county.

Second, the rezoning would conflict with the county’s comprehensive land use plan. The plan calls for estate density and agricultural land use.

Other issues surrounding annexation include traffic increasing on Ga. Highway 16. Currently, there are 8,400 average vehicle trips on that stretch of Hwy. 16. But Engineering Director Wayne Kennedy estimates the property if developed according to the city’s wishes would add another 1,500 trips to the road.

The city now has 30 days to respond to the county’s objections.