74 south shopping center tabled

Tue, 03/13/2007 - 10:45am
By: John Munford

Wilshire residents worry about future traffic, crime

Consideration of a plan to build a shopping center on Ga. Highway 74 south including a large “home improvement” store was postponed at Monday night's meeting of the Peachtree City Planning Commission.

The development proposed by Columbia Properties would be located at the intersection of the new realignment of Rockaway Road and Ga. Highway 74, across the highway from the existing Wilshire Pavilion shopping center. The property is currently zoned for industrial use and would require a commercial rezoning to be developed according to the latest plans.

Although the size of the home improvement store and the overall shopping center exceed the city’s “big box” limitations, Columbia Properties is seeking a limited use commercial zoning, meaning the big box limits will not be in effect. The big box rules only apply to land zoned general commercial.

More than 30 residents from the Wilshire Estates neighborhood attended the meeting, and several spoke of concerns about the big box stores bringing traffic and crime to the area.

The home improvement store is proposed to be 138,000 square feet and the entire development, including a smaller “big box” soft goods store and a number of smaller storefront buildings, would total 216,000 square feet.

Columbia Properties met with the neighborhood Sunday and will do so again Wednesday in an effort to hammer out various issues and share information about the development. Several speakers at Monday's meeting said they simply didn't have enough information to determine whether or not they support the rezoning proposal.

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Submitted by Comprosky on Mon, 03/19/2007 - 11:07pm.

Is it not obvious that the current traffic mayhem should be addressed and remedied prior to the addition of so much more traffic? I know they are working on widening the roads now, but I remember how long it took to get 54/34 completed and how much it worsened traffic conditions through that HUGE complex area. Let's try to prevent these issues by fixing the roads FIRST! The reason many people are moving to the south side of the city is because the rest of Peachtree City hardly looks like Peachtree City anymore. We can't even keep the complexes we currently have at full capacity. Fill those before talking about building a new facility, please.

JGF9148's picture
Submitted by JGF9148 on Thu, 03/15/2007 - 8:59am.

Hmmm let me see only 10 percent of the traffic will use Holly Grove. Studies have shown that a commercial tract of this size will generate between 5,000-10,000 auto trips per day. That's autos not commericial deliveries. So this will add between 500-1,000 cars using Holly Grove Road daily. There are 3 golf cart crossing, and several school bus stops. I think I heard someone from Columbia Properties mention that the Planning Commisisioner didn't feel a traffic study was necessary.Yikes, talk about safeguarding public safety.


Submitted by jackyldo on Thu, 03/15/2007 - 5:30am.

I can't get the song out of my head,
"they paved paradise and put up a parking lot"

The South 74 area is for Industrial use, like we have now, the main feature of widening South 74 to 6 lanes is to attract more business like Cooper and their neighbors and provide jobs. Keep the land as part of our future industrial base.

I can drive 10 miles in either direction to a Lowe's, and it's only a matter of time Home Depot will surround them by putting up a big box at Hwy 85 and Hay 16.

I'd like to thank the current administration for turning Peachtree City into Riverdale as quickly as possible. It's certainly why you ran for an office to be a PUBLIC servent.

Submitted by John M on Thu, 03/15/2007 - 6:11am.

I think the tactics of a few pro-big box people saying things like "you don't want them putting up an ugly plant with smoke stacks" is just another sad part of the big box store debate. Lying and sneaking seems to be the rule of the day.

To begin with, all the "smoke stack" industries are being exported to other counties that don't care and do it cheaper. Cooper Lighting, Cooper Wiring Devices, Spruce Aircraft retail and small warehouses are the kind of things we get now. Most are nice enough looking.

There is a lot of deceit in the ranks of the real estate developers. They will say just about anything to get what they want.

Danbertex's picture
Submitted by Danbertex on Wed, 03/14/2007 - 10:36am.

Translation: "We couldn't sneak this in under the radar and the heat's on right now, but the people are idiots and all we have to do is lay low for awhile until this dies down and we'll git'r'done next time!"

Why is always a developers desire to "nullify the size requirements of the city’s big box ordinance?" Better yet, why even go through the charade of having a big-box ordinance if we never intend to enforce it where and when it counts. It's a joke and we just keep getting shafted by developers courtesy of our political "leaders."

Yes, when I bought into Kimmeridge subdivison years ago I couldn't wait for not one but two shopping centers at the far south end of the city, convenient to nobody. Sure, Braellin Village and others centers have vacancies, but no matter, we want more sprall, more traffic, more litter, and maybe, if we're truly fortunate, more cheap fast food restaurants. They add such a lovely aura, don't they?

And the developers do so much! Why, they'll build a park...eventually. Will they pay for all the ncecessary road improvements, added cart paths, and buffers? F'geddaboutit.

This doesn't have to happen. I'd take a relatively quiet warehouse if I must over another freaking shopping center. But stick to the ordinances and plans that are on the books. No "nullified requirements." How about enforced requirments and sticking up for what's best for the local residents?


oldnational's picture
Submitted by oldnational on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 11:17am.

Growth is inevitable and the surrounding communities should take advantage of the additional revenues generated. Traffic and crime are big issues, but if not at Wilshire, those shopping centers will find homes relatively close to the area anyway.


Submitted by young james on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 2:44pm.

Unfortunately, it will not stay trees. If I lived on that end of town I'd rather rezone and have a big box that is built with community input than to leave it industrial and have a chemical plant, a smokestack, warehouses or worse.

bad_ptc's picture
Submitted by bad_ptc on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 12:08pm.

The current city mind set is to bring in as much retail as possible to add to the tax rolls.

Whilshire is just in the "current" gun sight. They'll be coming your way soon enough.

Think of it like the "Borg". Once there done with Wilshaire, they'll move on to the next property that "used" to be zoned General Industrial.

The PTC Development Authority has been totally unsuccessful in attracting tenants for either the existing industrial space or for the over 2,000,000 sq ft of un-leased office space.

Existing property taxes, home owners, only cover just over half of current city expenses.

Just for F.Y.I. guess which law firm is representing Columbia Properties. That's right, you guessed it, our good friend Mr. Rick Lindsy.

If there is anybody more capable of getting a zoning change past the Planning Commission and City Council, I don't know who that could be.

The real problem isn't just with this development. What you must realize is that once Mr. Lindsy gets that door cracked open he'll drive a truck through it.

Once the city sets precedence with this property, there will be nothing to stop all of Hwy. 74 south from becoming several large, unneeded, unused and unwanted strip shopping centers. There will be no revitalization of the Braelinn shopping center because new shopping centers will fill the void.

Now add this and future rezoning to the already dismal realization of TDK and the mega shopping center that Coweta is planning and you can get a glimpse of what our once "Best Place To Live" city is going to look like in 5 years.

Harold knows full well he's viewed as a one-time-wonder for the developers so they plan on taking full advantage of the situation for as long as he's around.

Harold has a tennis center to pay for along with his salary increase for a part time job.


Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 3:13pm.

Why are we still subsidizing the "tourist authority?" Nothing has come to PTC except retail to replace GOB retail in years. The tourists' nearly run one off the road!
As to Mr. Lindziy, the bureaucratic mouthpeace, he has more(tax) money than Allah. (Along with his mentors).

mudcat's picture
Submitted by mudcat on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 6:54pm.

Makes too much sense to do this, but Harold and friends are very gun shy about rezoning and the public spotlight that shines upon them now - especially after they encouraged the West Village thing.

Planning Commission will probably approve it, because it does make a lot of sense, but count on city council to deep six it for political and image reasons.
meow


Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 5:40pm.

in usage. Industrial to Commercial is usually viewed as a step down.

Still, I'm in favor of leaving the big box retail component out of this area.

yellowjax1212's picture
Submitted by yellowjax1212 on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 2:05pm.

If the city council will stick to it's established rules for Big box stores enough times, maybe the developers will stop making presentations that include stores that require "special permission".
Lets see what they are made of.
Please no Big Big Boxes!


Submitted by young james on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 2:47pm.

PTC could do a lot worse than a home improvement store. That land is currently zoned industrial. Thats industrial--read: manufacturing, smoke stacks, 18 wheelers, etc.

bad_ptc's picture
Submitted by bad_ptc on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 3:25pm.

"manufacturing, smoke stacks, 18 wheelers"

It's 50 acres of parking-lot. That's bigger than the Kroger & Target shopping center on Peachtree Pky. It also happens to backup to a watershed area and Line Creek.

Since the property is directly in the approach for Falcon Field there won't be any smoke stakes.

Since it's proposed to be the new Lowe's for our area there will be 18 wheelers anyway.

According to the developers own propaganda:

"Why can't the land be developed as it is currently zoned (Industrial)?
The GDOT plan to realign Rockaway Road splits the land into two parcels, thereby greatly decreasing the feasibility of any type of industrial development."

The "deal" also requires a land swap with the city.

From now on please educate yourself BEFORE you show us all just how ignorant you really are.


Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 5:25pm.

We apparently don't want any industry, or more likely can't get any due to the work force available.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 5:41pm.

I've heard nothing, but I do know the building sold.

mudcat's picture
Submitted by mudcat on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 6:59pm.

They are going to put a Walgreen's in a $3,000,000 log cabin?
Get real. Much more likely that Ted's will relocate there. Better to own than to rent, don't you know.
meow


Submitted by loveptc on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 9:32am.

I heard they were going to tear the building down to make way. What a shame!

Submitted by playfair on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 9:38am.

next door to the Buckhead told me more then a month ago, that Walgreens was interested in the site. Their plan is to knock down the building to build a new one.

Submitted by loveptc on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 9:40am.

I got my info. We really need another drug store.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 9:46am.

Another Drug store. Sheesh, maybe they can attach a nail salon. Or at least sell chicken wings.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 11:18am.

We could use another Mexican and Chinese restaurant in the mix. And here's a unique idea....How about another Dry Cleaners?


Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 11:38am.

I really do think we need more nail salons, beauty shops, massage joints, and by all means a couple of hundred more BANKS!
What on earth do all those multimillion dollar bank buildings do?
Not enough bars and liquor stores either.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 3:25pm.

I wish we had a non smoking bar without kids myself. Smiling

Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 5:23pm.

Alkies do enjoy "no kids" places. Why don't you build your own and not allow kids in? Including restaurants, we now have approximately 63 bars and 73 liquor places.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:19pm.

NO way there are 63 bars here. Nothing wrong with a good drink every now and then.

Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:34pm.

I'm counting anywhere one can have or buy a drink or a bottle of liquor, wine, or beer. There is no such thing as a "good drink."

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:42pm.

IF we both agreed on everything, one of us it not needed.

BTW, where do you get your definition of "bar"? If we're shooting from the hip, I need to know that too.

Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:32pm.

I'm counting anywhere one can have or buy a drink or a bottle of liquor, wine, or beer. There is no such thing as a "good drink."

Submitted by bladderq on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 9:32pm.

Dang, Guy. I git you sometime but you do git out thar sometime. There are several good drinks. A cold beer (from a micro brew or Sam Adams). Either a 12 yr Scotch Whisky (Chivas) or any single malt ON the rocs. & in the summer a G & T. Like a Bombay, Tang, or (my fav) a oddles of Boddles.
$ U gotta git more consitant w/ ur comments.

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:52pm.

We were having such a good day together.....

A bar by definition is one that only serves drinks....no food, or at least any real food. We used to have only 3 until the cops harrassed people so bad coming out of Martinis ..it closed down.......see ....now you ...like the cops....don't you???

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 6:57pm.

Unless they've close very recently, the Red Room is now where Martini's used to be. Last time I was in there, they had a pretty good live band on the weekend.

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 7:06pm.

I haven't been in since it changed hands. Any of our finest follow you home?? That's why I stopped going last time. Too dangerous, didn' want to be in DUI class with our low-life city manager.

They won't patrol the cartpaths but.......

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 7:08pm.

Wife and I get out sometimes. We usually take the Golf Cart, and neither of us usually has more than a drink or two. Certainly, not the driver. Smiling

Nice ride from Spyglass Subdivision around the lake.

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 7:12pm.

Thanks dawg

Submitted by skyspy on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 3:56pm.

Something without smoke or kids would be a dream here. Since the council fools will approve the big box thing on 74, maybe we can get one in there.

It's just a matter of time....... they will figure out a way to pull a scam, just like they did with the tennis center fiasco.

Oh, yeah, um can we get an "adult book" store in there too. It's the least lindsey could do for us.

Is Hooters going into the 74 industrial/comercial zoning switcheroo....or are they going into the empty shack that was Macaroni?? So many empty buildings to choose from......must be tough to be a councilfool.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 7:50pm.

If my memory is right, the Church property going commercial also involved some retail or mixed use office space that would have been involved. That would have created more income, and made the offer for the land higher.

All that being said, if you know something, fill us in. Speculation not needed.

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