A request by Gate City Elks Lodge No.54 to rezone 4.96 acres at 4900 College Street for use as the organization’s new Union City meeting place failed over concerns that traffic and noise might be a problem and that zoning changes from residential to Office-Institutional might pose long-term problems for the quiet neighborhood.

Currently owned by Women’s Christian Temperance Union, numerous Elks members from around metro Atlanta in attendance at the Oct. 17 council meeting said they simply wanted to utilize the present 1,800 square-foot house for meetings one to two times per week. The desire, they said, is to purchase the property for that use. Members added that if rezoned, they have no plans to sell the property for development purposes nor do they intend to play bingo or request a liquor license.

Several nearby neighbors spoke to concerns that centered on the availability of sufficient parking and the potential for excessive noise if a large number of club members were to attend meetings. One local business was cited by neighbors as causing undue noise in what residents described as a quiet neighborhood.

Elks’ representatives said the lodge would be a buffer area for neighbors and nearby businesses. Council members disagreed, voting not to approve the rezoning request. Councilwoman Helen turner voted against the motion.

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