of this year, Senoia could have a new landmark rising on its western border.

City officials

heard Tuesday night that the First Baptist Church of Senoia wants to build

a new sanctuary and education center on a 10-acre site on Ga. Highway

16.

The site is

across the street from Open Door Baptist Church and Howard Road and provides

the church far more space than its present downtown Senoia location.

During Tuesday's

public hearing, Mayor Joan Trammell said that all churches are classified

as special uses in the city's zoning ordinances, so a public hearing has

to be conducted on the proposal.

Trammell added

the city would vote on granting the use at its June 4 meeting.

Gene Holbrook

represented First Baptist and said the church's initial plans call for

a sanctuary seating 750-800 and an education center with a capacity of

500.

"We're

on our seventh preschool class now," said Holbrook.

Holbrook said

church officials are hoping to break ground this year and plan to use

their existing church as a satellite church.

City Administrator

Leonard Thompson said City Planner Bill Johnston recommended approval

of the petition with two conditions:

- Access

would be limited to Ga. Highway 16.

-

A 50-foot buffer would be provided between the site and any residential

property.