Over a year ago, after conducting some research, I made the statement that Peachtree City is the hazardous chemical and hazardous waste capitol of Fayette County. Following that announcement, someone told me that a city councilman, Dr. Robert Brooks, was greatly angered by reading my letter in the newspaper. I asked if they knew if he was enraged because someone made this information public or was he enraged because he thought the statement was false. Federal and state data proved the statement was in fact true and the city has (at times begrudgingly) begun addressing the situation.

Often times it is difficult for a municipality to have its shortcomings discussed in a public forum. It is even more difficult for public officials in a city like Peachtree City to discuss its problems since there is such a great deal of hype regarding the virtues of our planned community. However, you will find that very often these shortcomings are not dealt with until there is a public outcry.

Well, there is another shortcoming to add to the list: poor planning and zoning. Did you know that Wal-Mart tried to build in neighboring Tyrone and was not allowed to do it? Tyrone had ordinances in place to protect them from the burdens of having a “big box” in town. Fayetteville has an ordinance in place that will not allow a big-box retailer to build unless there is access to a four-lane highway.

So what happened to Peachtree City? Where is the foresight? Why are we having to react to developer proposals instead of being pro-active and taking control?

It is absolutely crucial that Peachtree City's Master Plan and zoning ordinance language describing each land use district accurately portray the city's intention for that area. Our Mayor Lenox and Councilman Jim Pace most likely think that what we have is just fine, but a rapidly growing number of citizens disagree. Big-box retail is relatively new and Peachtree City absolutely needs to impose a development moratorium until we can get our planning documents revised and adopt appropriate standards instead of continuing to be broad-sided by oncoming developments.

The citizen opposition to the big boxes is enormous so why is the city council allowing things to proceed any further? Our city began on a great foundation with cart paths and the village concept, but we have slipped and fallen.

The Peachtree City “gridlock triangle” has the potential to be an absolute nightmare. Having the big boxes along the Ga. Highway 74-Kedron corridor, Peachtree Parkway and Ga. Highway 54 will bring us nothing but misery.

I have found some great examples of cities across the United States and Canada that are doing a great job with planning and zoning. We simply need to do some research.

Should Peachtree City be touted as a nationally recognized community? Unfortunately, when it comes to planning, zoning, measuring impacts of development and accurately portraying the citizens' desires for Peachtree City, we are currently closer to the bottom than the top.

If you are willing to circulate an anti-big box petition in your subdivision, please call 770-487-7790.

Steve Brown

Peachtree City

steve_ptc@juno.com–

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