Things are

not turning out for Senoia's new City Council like it had planned.

Instead of

a smooth transition, the council finds itself embroiled in one of the

biggest controversies in years the fate of the "Blue House."

Once again,

people left Tuesday afternoon's City Council meeting shaking their heads

and wondering if the issue would ever be resolved.

The Council

postponed voting on owner Chuck Smith's request to move the house from

his property. The council could vote on the issue Feb. 4, but that's not

a given.

Smith told

the council he wanted to move the house to his in-laws' property on old

Ga. Highway 85. With the house moved, he would be free to sell the lot

to Southern Bell. The company wants the property to expand its current

operations in the city.

The issue has

pitted residents who want the house preserved because of its age and history

to residents who say Smith should be able to do whatever he wants with

his property.

Senoia Area

Historical Society president Perry Benson gave further information to

the council Tuesday that the house cannot be moved unless the council

has a general idea of what type of building would replace the home.

But, Benson

said, he's backing away from the issue because tempers are starting to

flare and he's fearful for his general welfare.

City attorney

Drew Whalen told the council that a decision did not have to be made Tuesday.

The council had previously denied Smith's request to tear down the home,

but relocating it was a new application. The council could wait up to

45 days to decide, he added.

In the meantime,

Smith is paying a mortgage on the Blue House and his present home, and

is growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of action by the council.

Last week,

he spray-painted signs on the home that showed his unhappiness with the

council. During Tuesday's meeting, some residents implored the council

to let Smith relocate the home.

"Where

was the historical society two years ago when he was trying to sell the

house?" said resident Barry Hulsey.

Smith stormed

out of the meeting in disgust as the council once again deferred action

on the issue.