For what everyone

hailed as good news for Peachtree City, a plan to have college courses

taught at the city's tennis center was carefully scrutinized.

In the end,

however, the City Council approved spending $15,000 for the effort at

its meeting Thursday night. The funds will buy furniture and equipment

for the 3,500 sq. ft. space that will be made into two classrooms and

three offices.

Clayton State

University plans to hold continuing education courses there and operate

a small business development center. The equipment will remain in the

city's possession for its use later; officials hope the idea takes off

and the Board of Regents will agree to build a stand-alone university

center in Peachtree City within about five years.

Classes will

likely begin in the fall, and that's one reason a council decision was

needed quickly, said Chris Clark of the Fayette County Development Authority.

A quick decision also allows for cost savings on the buildout of the space,

which the Fayette County Development Authority has agreed to spend $50,000

for.

"The Chamber

of Commerce has committed to raising additional funds and sponsors so

there won't be a burden on taxpayers," Clark said.

Newnan Utilities

has already committed to wiring the classrooms with its T-1 high-speed

Internet connection for free, which would normally cost $40,000, said

Virgil Christian, executive director of the Peachtree City Development

Authority.

Mayor Steve

Brown, who supported the concept, said he would rather talk with the school

board about using Starr's Mill High School to offer classes. But Clark

pointed out that classroom space will be needed during the day which the

school system won't be able to provide.

Brown said

one of his concerns is parking and traffic congestion. Christian said

Clayton State has committed to scheduling classes so there would be no

conflicts with events and tournaments at the tennis center.

Christian said

the expansion project at the tennis center will add 180 parking spaces

and should have extra room for the estimated 40 students that would use

the classrooms at one time.

It was also

noted that the first classes will be offered at night and there are no

plans for Saturday classes in the first two years of the program.

Councilman

Steve Rapson said he was concerned about the funding since he was told

But Clark said the other 70 percent is covered by the university contracting

with private businesses to train employees.

One of the

classrooms will have seating for 35 students and the other will have 12

desks for students to link their computers to the high-speed Internet

line.

Councilman

Dan Tennant thanked Clark and Christian for their hard work on the project.

Clark said the key was getting the space secured at a low cost since that's

hard to find locally.