With a standing room only crowd of frozen treat lovers looking on, the Senoia City Council melted its opposition to the BeezFreez Sno Ball business on Main Street and agreed to let the business stay through mid-September.
The Sno ball fight erupted last month after the business was granted a Certificate of Appropriateness by the city’s Historical Preservation Commission and a business license.
But after a few emails hit city hall, the city realized the business was actually in violation of its ordinances regarding temporary structures.
in his position paper to the council, City Manager Richard Ferry explained why the business was in violation.
“Section 74-235 states that temporary buildings other than provided herein shall not be allowed in any district except that temporary buildings used in conjunction with construction work or pending completion of a permanent building for a period not to exceed one year located at least 50 feet from any residence or street, may be permitted in any district but shall be removed when the construction has been substantially completed. This statement is clear that the use as a temporary building should not have been allowed,” Ferry wrote.
Heny County attorney Andy Welch, who represented the owners of the business, Cathie Kirkland and Marcia Williamson, said he simply wanted the city to rescind the letter to have the business moved off Main Street.
Councilman Jeff Fisher, who freely admitted the majority of the problem with the controversy was the city’s doing, tried to explain the council was truly trying to look out for its citizens.
“If an adult shop opened up, you would want us to protect you from that,” he said.
The raucous crowd was having none of the explanations.
“I’m furious the way you have treated them. Leave them alone,” said Doris Chappel.
Fisher did say the city should stand by its original policy of granting a license for 90 days and allow the sno ball trailer to stayed parked on Main Street through Sept. 11.
The measure passed unanimously, and after the meeting the Beez Freeze owners were glad, but still maintained that their business was always meant to be a permanent fixture in the city.
“All the city said to us was make it pretty, “ said Kirkland.
