He also argued

that the proposed Landmark School would be built in an environmentally

sensitive area that supplies much of the area's drinking water.

"Unlike

previous years with ARC, GRTA has been given authority to overturn local

authorities to accomplish the objectives of GRTA," said Allen. "The

[Regional Development Plan] and [Regional Transportation Plan] are not

to be feared; instead we should all insist on proper growth through stringent

use of these plans."

The TWC supports

Landmark's desire to locate in the Tyrone area, Allen said, adding that

the group wants the school to locate in an area the group feels will handle

significant traffic, comply with the Tyrone land use plan, and the policies

of GRTA. The Tyrone land use plan anticipates single family homes for

the Farr Road property and adjoining area.

The citizens

group is concerned about Landmark's claim that only the immediate neighbors

are objecting to the rezoning, Allen said. "This argument has been

used successfully by other developers to overturn resident objections,"

he said.

The group has

members from other areas in Tyrone and is actively incorporating members

from all parts of the community.

"The computer

has made it possible for private citizens to be more participatory in

government and able to monitor the actions of our public representatives.

Too often in our daily lives we do not maintain the vigilance necessary

to protect our rights as citizens. I am completing work on a Web site

that will be available to all Tyrone citizens to learn what actions have

been taken that will impact their lives and learn how they can be involved,"

said Allen.

Group member

Charlene Koth said, "We welcome the Landmark School to Tyrone, but

let's work together to find a location that will not adversely affect

our residential areas. Too many communities in the Atlanta area have adopted

land use plans and then not followed them. Most of us moved to Tyrone

to escape the traffic congestion of other Atlanta communities. I am concerned

about the impact this proposed project will have on the safety of our

citizens and worry about the danger the increased traffic will present."

The citizens'

group is asking all Tyrone citizens to attend the Town Council meeting.

Individual

neighborhood activists are gathering signatures on petitions and educating

neighbors about the plan. For information e-mail Allen at [email protected].

Back

to News Home Page |