http://sandysprings.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-11-12-167588.113118_Against_This_is_about_overdevelopment.html Commentary section
Against: This is about overdevelopment
by Jane Kelley, zoning chairperson for the High Point Civic Associa
November 13, 2009
Sandy Springs residents in the opposition group were frustrated yet again by a third deferral of the Church of Scientology rezoning issue in October after "new material" was submitted by the applicant — without required public notice or proper consideration by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission voted in September to deny the application entirely.
The applicant's latest proposal attempts to assuage concerns about inadequate parking by squeezing 111 surface spaces where 81 exist now. This would be partly achieved by merely re-striping the lot, but the following site alterations would also be necessary:
- Carving into three formerly landscaped areas to create space for 19 parking spaces, 12 of which are in the 40-foot Roswell Road setback.
- Seeking relief entirely from the zoning requirement to provide "islands" with "shade trees" every six spaces.
- Removing four existing trees (which likely violates our "tree canopy" requirement).
The applicant plans to offer classes and counseling sessions day and night, seven days a week. A city transportation expert even made the comparison to a junior college. And the local Scientology spokesperson, Deb Danos, was quoted as saying "We have about 600 active members, 200 that are regular attendees, and then on our rolls there have been literally thousands. I would say pretty close to 10,000 that have joined since the inception of the organization in Atlanta." With a purchase price of $5.6 million, plus a proposed renovation cost of $3.5 million, they surely will be expecting a payback.
The applicant also proposes limiting occupancy to 170 people under certain circumstances. Based on their own parking study figures, 170 people would require 162 parking spaces. That is 50 spaces underparked, even if they reduce the greenspace to provide more asphalt. And how would such an occupancy cap be enforced? Would our police have to count people entering the building instead of fighting crime? According to the Planning Commission, an occupancy cap is nearly unenforceable.
The opposition residents see no good reason for the Planning Commission or Mayor and City Council to allow these departures from normal zoning requirements, particularly since this property is already overdeveloped. This applicant is asking for preferential treatment. This is NOT a religious issue — it's about overdevelopment, inadequate parking and creating a public safety hazard at a dangerous intersection. This site is unsuitable for increased density and insufficient parking for ANY organization.
We strongly oppose the expansion of the building and allowing inadequate parking.
Jane Kelley is the zoning chairperson for High Point Civic Association.
