In

the continuing battle against sprawl and heavy

traffic, the Peachtree City Council is

considering an ordinance that would keep

supersized retail stores from locating in the

city.

One

such "big box" store is already on the

way: Home Depot, which is an estimated 170,000

square feet. A Wal-Mart Supercenter is also in

the early planning stages, though there may be a

battle looming over whether it could meet the

city's traffic ordinance.

Councilwoman

Annie McMenamin said large retail stores don't

fit into the city's village concept. The larger

stores might force other smaller local stores out

of business, she said.

If

those small stores close, it would likely force

residents of other villages in Peachtree City to

travel further to shop elsewhere, McMenamin said.

Jim

Williams, the city's director of developmental

services, said the best way to handle the matter

would be to put a maximum square footage limit on

the stores. "That would send a clear message

that might fend off some people," he said.

Home

Depot, once completed, would become the largest

retail structure in town occupied by one

business.

Mayor

Bob Lenox said the city should come up with a

list of criteria the retail developments must

meet and include that in the ordinance.

"And

if you meet those criteria, you're welcome (to

locate in Peachtree City)" Lenox added.

Councilman

Robert Brooks suggested the city determine what

types of retail outlets it wants and aggressively

recruit those businesses.

City

attorney Rick Lindsey said council would have to

advertise such an ordinance before officially

adopting it since it relates to zoning issues.