An ordinance

to regulate the use of model rockets in Peachtree City didn't make it

off the launching pad at Thursday night's City Council meeting.

The ordinance,

which was suggested by fire department officials who studied national

guidelines on the issue, was voted down unanimously. It contained a number

of technical provisions relating to the specifications of equipment used

on model rockets, but that wasn't the main sticking point.

The ordinance

also limited model rockets to being launched from just three areas in

town: Meade Field, the Braelinn recreation area and the baseball/soccer

complex on Ga. Highway 74.

But Bill Lechard

of The Hobby Stop, which sells model rocket equipment, protested that

measure, saying two of those locations are busy all the time with athletic

events.

"I think

that's over-governing and over-restrictive," Lechard said. "Let

common sense prevail unless it becomes a problem."

City Manager

Jim Basinger said he was unaware of any complaints from residents relating

to model rocket launches.

Council agreed,

voting unanimously to deny the proposed ordinance.