The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Friday, April 23, 1999
Annexation debate

By JOHN THOMPSON
Coweta Editor

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The Coweta County Commission and the city of Senoia will square off in the next few weeks over a proposed annexation by the city.

During Tuesday's commission meeting, county planner Robert Tolleson told the commission the city wants to annex approximately 55 acres on Rockaway Road, near the twin lakes subdivision.

Currently, the property is zoned Rural Reserve in the county, which requires a minimum five-acre lot size. But Tolleson explained that the owner of the property could apply for an R-200 zoning, which allows a minimum lot size of 1.6 acres in the county.

If the property was annexed into the city, the property would be in Senoia's R-1 zoning category, which only requires a one-acre lot size.

Since the annexation would significantly increase the density of homes allowed on the property, Tolleson asked the commission to file an objection and asked for mediation in the case. The mediation process was formed under House Bill 489, which requires more cooperation between cities and counties on annexation disputes.

If the county chose not to object, Tolleson asked the board to at least consider a 40-foot buffer to help protect county property from the newly annexed city parcel.

Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter had a problem with the planner recommending only a buffer.

"That has nothing to do with lowering density, which is what you're objecting to," Hunter said.

Commission chairman Lawrence Nelms said the county needs to object to the annexation for a variety of reasons.

"Sewer is a big concern and I'm sure it's cheaper to pay city of Senoia taxes than do 1.6 acres," he said.

After the commission voted to object and trigger the mediation process, Senoia Mayor Joan Trammell said she understood the county's objections, but said a lot of the problems should be addressed within the next two weeks after the city passes its new zoning ordinances and land use map.


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