The prevailing theme in the Oct. 11, 1999 Planning Commission meeting was “responsible development.” The standing-room-only crowd left the meeting with the feeling that this newly revised Planning Commission is devoted to the public good in accordance with Peachtree City's high standards.

On the other end of the spectrum was RAM Development's Home Depot site plan for the Ga. Highway 54 West corridor. No one is denying, not even RAM Development, that this project is going to negatively impact the traffic situation at the intersection of Ga. Highways 54 and 74.

The intersection already rates an “E” on a scale of A to F with A being the best possible conditions (PTC traffic study - Dames & Moore). If this project is developed while the city's hands are tied on highway funding, we should not plan on driving anywhere in Peachtree City in a timely manner.

Public safety is the greatest concern with this project. A representative of Childress Klein properties (one of the firms involved with the project) told me over the phone that the decision to proceed with this enormous development was “market driven.” It is my view that the market is driving over the citizens of Peachtree City. Perhaps we should try to put the development in reverse.

In all honesty, I do not believe that Home Depot's Bernard Marcus, Chairman of the Board, and Arthur Blank, President and Chief Financial Officer, know how desperate our situation is in Peachtree City. These two men have a definite sense of community and live and work by a firm set of values.

For example, the Home Depot web site includes a section entitled “Living Our Values.” In this section, they state: “Our Home Depot values are beliefs, principals and standards of the Company that do not change over time. Values are the foundation of our behavior, because they guide our decisions and actions.” They go on to list the eight values that they uphold and are unwilling to change. Three of these values have specific application to our current situation.

The first is entitled “Doing the `Right' Thing.” Under this heading they say: “We exercise good judgment by `doing the right thing' instead of just `doing things right.' We strive to understand the impact of our decisions, and we accept responsibility for our actions.”

The second is entitled “Giving Back” where they state: “An important part of the fabric of The Home Depot is in giving part of our time, talents, energy and resources to worthwhile causes in our community and society.”

The third is entitled “Building Strong Relationships” and they assert: “Strong relationships are built on trust, honesty and integrity. We should listen and respond to the needs of customers, associates, communities and vendors, treating them as partners.”

Please look on the Internet for yourself and verify that what I am saying is true (http:www.homedepot.com/compinfo/commu...social_responsibility/1998/fin_high.htm). Obviously, Home Depot's values are in direct conflict with the proposed development on the GA Highway 54-West corridor.

Personally, I have tried to speak with various people within the Home Depot's real estate and development departments only to be funneled back to the developer of the project. A lone secretary at Home Depot's Corporate office is the only person that would even speak with me. How can you do the right thing, give back to the community and build strong community relations built on trust, honesty and integrity when you will not even hear what the people within the community have to say?

Please take 15 minutes and write a letter or e-mail Mr. Marcus or Mr. Blank. If you are like me, you are a big Home Depot shopper. We need to make then aware of the negative impact that their development will have on Peachtree City.

To send a e-mail, go to their web site (www.homedepot.com) and select the “contact us” tab in the upper right hand corner then choose “contact us by e-mail.” Or you can write to The Home Depot; 2455 Paces Ferry Road; Atlanta, GA 30339. The corporate phone number is 770-433-8211. If you have a concerned relative that is a Home Depot shopper outside of Georgia, they can call 1-800-430-3376.

Your input will make a huge difference. For your convenience there is a Lowe's superstore in Newnan.

Steve Brown
Peachtree City

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