PTCCA.ORG

PTCCA Position Paper
Callula Hills Development
As Proposed by Pathways Communities on Feb. 23, 2009

Position: The Peachtree City Civic Association is against the request to rezone from GI to LUR 37 acres to create Callula Hills as proposed by Pathways Communities. Significant benefit to the city has not been shown to justify a deviation from our land use plan and comprehensive plan. The location of this property entirely within the industrial park and its close proximity to Falcon Field both dictate that it remain industrial.

There are several reasons that we have come to this conclusion:

1. Not Part of Master Plan: This is an argument that we have deviated from in the past, because the benefit to the city for rezoning exceeded the negative aspect associated from deviating from the plan, in the mind of the majority. In this case it is hard to make that same argument. This land has always been intended to be industrial property. Because it has not succeeded in that capacity to date is not reason enough to rezone it for another use. The revenue the city may get from residential zoning should not be the sole reason it is granted.

2. Location: Being in the heart of the industrial park makes the access to this parcel for residential use, difficult, if not hazardous. There is no golf cart access, and only one way in and one way out for vehicles. Truck traffic and air traffic noise is not conducive to a quality of life that we want to perpetuate in PTC. The proximity to Falcon Field is not favorable either for safety and noise. Even though the airport authority does not object to the development from their perspective; that does not mean as officials of Peachtree City we should not object from a quality of life perspective. This residential area is isolated from any other residential development which makes it unlike any other residential area of the city. There is also minimal access to shopping or a nearby village.

3. Timing: We as a city are looking for sources of revenue. Pathways Communities is looking to profit from this land that has been sitting vacant. However, we will not always be in an economic downturn. We would be making this decision purely based on economics. Our city is based on more than that. We have the responsibility to look past the immediate fiscal crisis and determine if this development is in the best interests of the city, those that live here now, and those that will live here in the future. A decision to rezone this property now would be shortsighted and would undermine our high standards for quality of life.

4. Future Hassle: Years from now when residents of “Callula Hills” are before you complaining of air traffic patterns, truck noise, golf carts cutting through their community, or lack of access to other parts of the city by golf cart, what will be your response? It does not matter what papers are signed when homes are bought, complaints will surface if people feel that their quality of life or safety are jeopardized. It will be on the city of Peachtree City’s shoulders to fix and address these issues indefinitely. Money will be spent in some capacity to address them. (i.e. Chadsworth subdivision’s golf cart path re-routing)

Recommendation: The PTCCA recommends that the rezoning request by Pathways communities be denied at this time. We also recommend that the development authority and city officials aggressively pursue businesses looking for a corporate headquarters in an attractive location. We feel this is the best use for this location, and for this use the property would not require rezoning. We hope that the city exercises patience and finds a business to occupy this space rather than making any decisions that detract from our master plan.