By KAY S. PEDROTTI
Staff Writer

Peachtree City Manager Jim Basinger asked the city council last week to remove from the agenda a resolution which would have allowed alcoholic beverages in the parking lot at Frederick J. Brown Amphitheater.

Basinger said the city needs to "look at alternatives" before allowing "tailgate parties" at amphitheater events.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages inside the amphitheater already permitted is not affected by the action.

Peachtree City's open spaces and greenbelt buffers are "legitimate next-door neighbors" and must be as well-protected as their human counterparts, the city council was told last week.

Jim Williams, director of development services, made the observation during city staff objections to a zoning variance request by Tony Oresteen of Baneberry Road in the Santolina subdivision. Oresteen told the council he planned to build an 800-square-foot pool house/studio at the back of his property, asking to encroach about 15 feet into the required rear setback of 30-foot, which adjoins a green buffer.

Council denied the variance after considerable discussion. Williams and several council members cited the dangers of precedent, since city and subdivision regulations generally limit "outbuildings" to 150 square feet for storage. The staff report recommended denial of the variance primarily for intrusion into the "natural area," and because the 180-by-85-foot lot would be "too intensely developed for the neighborhood."

Consideration of a special Huddleston Road special sewer district also was postponed, and a revision to buffer zones on major thoroughfares was tabled.

Appointments Made

Susan M. Cates was appointed to the unexpired term of Janet Wells on the Peachtree City Airport Authority. Cates, who works with the Peachtree City location of Hunting Aviation (deHavilland aircraft completions), will serve until Dec. 31, 2000. She has an extensive aviation background and has also worked with Cessna's southeastern division and Epps Aviation in Atlanta.

Catherine M. Nelmes will replace Daniel Carr on the airport board as of Jan. 1, 1999, for a full five-year term. She is a former program manager for the Airports District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Appointed to the Commission on Children and Youth were Theresa Vannier, Tonya Curry and Nick Harris. According to information used in the selection process, all three have extensive experience in youth programs and are active in civic work.

The council also appoints alternates to fill vacancies is they occur. Sheri Crandall was named alternate for the CCY, and Robert Williams II alternate for the airport authority.

The council recognized police Chief Jim Murray and the department for state certification, and Jim DeVos and Bob MacPherson for their contribution to the city's recreation program.