During last week’s council meeting, I stated my disappointment that we were still discussing the curb cut into Planterra Ridge and traffic light at the Line Creek Drive intersection.
Over two years ago, City Council promised to protect these residents from the danger and increased travel times represented by this development. It seems that a majority of council members are ready to break that promise.
I believe that City Council needs to honor its word and protect the Planterra Ridge and Cardiff Park neighborhoods. Only through honoring our commitments can this council begin to rebuild its credibility.
After recapping the troubled past of this development, Council member Learnard has asked us to decide what we are for, as opposed to what we are against.
I went into this meeting already knowing what I am for. I am for protecting our neighborhoods and our residents. I am for keeping our promises. I am for protecting the things that make this city great.
These things don’t need a committee or an incredibly expensive study. It requires only a love of this city, and a desire to do what is right. A desire to protect our neighborhoods.
I am not an inflexible man. I will meet with the residents and developers as I promised. What I won’t do, is forget the promises we made to the residents of Planterra Ridge and Cardiff Park.
The other side of this issue is the Council member Fleisch’s proposed traffic study. On the surface, it seems like a good idea. Once you dig down a little further, you realize that the taxpayer would be paying nearly $40,000 for something that GDOT would provide for free.
Council member Fleisch’s idea is not a plan. It’s a stall tactic. The study would not be ready until after I am required to resign to run against her for mayor. Once [I am] off the council, running for mayor, the proposal can move forward without any credible opposition.
During the meeting I invited the rest of council to stand with me in protecting Planterra Ridge and Cardiff Park. Yet another traffic light, making six in that small stretch, and running commercial retail traffic through our largest subdivision is a really damaging proposal.
Please contact the other City Council members and tell them to support our neighborhoods over the developers. Email your thought to [email protected] and tell them to not make things unbearable for us.
George Dienhart, City Council Post 2
Peachtree City, Ga.
