A small

bridge in the Sargent community is still giving the

Coweta County commissioners a case of heartburn.

Commission

Chairman Lawrence Nelms lashed out at critics of

replacing the bridge on Henry Bryant Road Tuesday and

said they were overstating the environmental impact of

replacing the bridge.

"Very

few people who are making comments have even seen that

bridge," Nelms said.

The bridge

is being replaced and curves are being straightened on

the road to make it safer for all residents, Nelms added.

The bridge

has been the center of a two-month controversy that has

pitted a group of environmentalists against the Coweta

County Commission.

The group

wanting the bridge saved says the area represents a

beautiful, pristine area that should not be disturbed.

In earlier

discussions, Don Bryant, who lives on the road named for

his grandfather, owns 17 acres and has no problem with

the county replacing the bridge.

He does

have a problem with the county altering the road, which

he believes will destroy a "sweet spot worth

saving."

Bryant said

numerous types of wildlife occupy the area and

straightening the road would destroy the animals' habitat

and devastate one of the prettiest areas in the county.

The

long-time resident also disputed the county's contention

that he had received $24,000 for part of his property

that would have to be condemned to build the road.

But county

attorney Mitch Powell said the money had been accepted by

Bryant's attorney and was in an escrow account.

"He

did that without my knowledge," Bryant said.

Bryant also

said the county would be spending $700,000 to replace the

bridge and alter the road. If the county only replaced

the bridge, the cost would be $100,000.

Chairman

Lawrence Nelms disputed the figures, saying the project

won't go out for bids until this month.

Other

members of Bryant's family beseeched the board to

consider their wishes and leave the road in place.

Commissioner

Charlie Jones said he understood the family's concern,

but said he has to consider what is best for the entire

county.

"Why

should four families take away from the rest of the

county?" he said.

The

commissioners said the road could serve as an alternate

road for travel between Newnan and Carrollton, but said

they would consider the citizens' comments.

Nelms

offered to meet with any residents at any time and show

them what the county's plans are.

"All

we're trying to do is remove a defunct bridge," he

said.

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