The approval of three final

plats, a proposed rezoning and an annexation all made their way across

the desks of the Fairburn City Council Monday night. While all of them

passed, one met with stiff resistance.

The property in contention,

Herndon Estates, a 10.81 acre of planned development at the intersection

of Virlyn B. Smith Road and Durham Lake Road raised some questions about

its validity. Originally slated as Bear Claw Golf and Country Club, the

new design is planned for 28 senior residents.

Fulton County's Camilla Moore,

Director of the Office of Housing, told the City Council the advantages

of the proposal for seniors looking at more practical housing options.

The lots, ranging from 6,000 square feet to just under 13,000 square feet

could be purchased by those in the 55+ age group only. The results of

a Fulton County survey helped to point out the growing need for such homes

in the South Fulton area.

"This is news to me. This

sounds like subsidized housing," said Councilman Harvey Melear.

Scott Seymour of Southside

Investments was on hand and helped explain this would not be subsidized

housing, but would meet the needs of elders who want the quality of living

they now enjoy without the burden of the care and upkeep of larger lots.

The matter was approved by

the council, but Mayor Betty Hannah had to cast the deciding vote.

In addition to the Herndon

Estates proposal, an annexation of a 6.39 acre tract at the Northwest

corner of I-85 and Bohannon Road was addressed.

Currently zoned M-1 Light Industrial,

the owners, Mercer and Dolores Baswell of 210 Bohannon Road, submitted

their application back in January. With only a few stipulations including

the addition of a deceleration lane and a limit of one entrance from Bohannon

Road, the proposal was passed without further question.

Three final plats were also

considered and approved. Plans for The Magnolia's subdivision were modified

to include 12 of the 15 lots in question when first presented. Of those

fifteen lots, three were felt not to be ready. City administrator Jim

Williams stated they were "unbuildable and would be better suited

for open space use."

Final plats for Fairhaven phase

I and Milam Manor Phase II were presented. Fairhaven, a planned subdivision

located on the East side of Plantation Road about 800 feet north of Milam

Road met with a list of 17 conditions encompassing everything from a minimum

lot size of 6,000 square feet to the installation of street lights at

intervals no more than 400 feet apart.

Landscaping, tree placement

and sidewalk construction were specifically spelled out.

Strict guidelines were also

given to phase II of Milam Manor subdivision north of Milam Road and 1,800

feet east of Ga. Highway 74.

Faced with so many new plans

and proposals, the city of Fairburn may see a lot of dirt moving in the

coming months.