Residents from the Sargent community pleaded with the Coweta County commissioners Tuesday night to reconsider their position on replacing a bridge on Henry Bryant Road.

But after nearly an hour of a sometimes heated discussion, the commissioners appeared to stand firm in support of replacing the bridge and straightening curves in the road to make it safer for travel.

Don Bryant, who lives on the road named for his grandfather, owns 17 acres and has no problem with the county replacing the bridge.

He does have a problem with the county altering the road, which he believes will destroy a "sweet spot worth saving."

Bryant said numerous types of wildlife occupy the area and straightening the road would destroy the animals' habitat and devastate one of the prettiest areas in the county.

The long-time resident also disputed the county's contention that he had received $24,000 for part of his property that would have to be condemned to build the road.

But county attorney Mitch Powell said the money had been accepted by Bryant's attorney and was in an escrow account.

"He did that without my knowledge," Bryant said.

Bryant also said the county would be spending $700,000 to replace the bridge and alter the road. If the county only replaced the bridge, the cost would be $100,000.

Chairman Lawrence Nelms disputed the figures, saying the project won't go out for bids until July.

Bryant's niece, Caroline Angline, has been researching the area since she first heard about the county's intentions. Angline asked the board to consider quality of life issues.

"We're looking at the destruction of quality of life for a concrete jungle," she said.

Commissioner Robert Wood answered Angline's comments by saying that quality of life means different things for different people. Since earlier this spring, Wood has been battling hay fever and pollen problems and is not a fan of trees.

"If I had my way, I'd cut down every tree where I travel," he said.

Other members of Bryant's family beseeched the board to consider their wishes and leave the road in place.

Commissioner Charlie Jones said he understood the family's concern, but said he has to consider what is best for the entire county.

"Why should four families take away from the rest of the county?" He said.