Despite the

objections of homeowners in the Kedron Hills subdivision,

the Peachtree City Council granted a height variance for

an office park that is slated become the new home of a

Fortune 500 company.

The

variance was approved 3-2, with council members Annie

McMenamin and Dan Tennant opposing. McMenamin said she

didn't want council to set a legal precedent and open the

door to numerous similar requests in the future.

Tennant

said he sided with the Kedron Hills residents and if the

company decided to locate elsewhere because of a denial

to the height variance, another company will locate in

the city to take its place.

The name of

the company which is planning to relocate to the office

building was not mentioned at the meeting.

Supporters

of the variance pointed out that the building's height

would be lower with the variance than if the building was

built at the existing grade.

Residents

near the neighborhood complained they would be able to

see the office complex through the "buffer" of

trees that stands between the subdivision and the

project. They claimed the complex would lower the values

of their homes and create a traffic nuisance.

City

Attorney Rick Lindsey told council that if the motion was

worded properly, it wouldn't have to worry about fending

off lawsuits from others who want height variances at a

later date.

Council

also approved a variance request for MA Industries so it

could expand its operations. The company had petitioned

to eliminate the required setback so it could relocate an

existing building.

There was

discussion about having MA Industries plant some trees on

the property to compensate for the variance, but it was

eventually decided it was not fair to take such action.

Council

also approved funding $5,000 for playground equipment at

Oak Grove Elementary School on Crosstown Road, based on

the theory that local residents have access to the school

and will be able to use the equipment.