City Council Announces Plans to Buy 'Roberts' Property

There was only one item on the agenda for Monday night's City Council meeting - but it was a big one.

The City of Peachtree Corners will pursue the purchase the 20+ undeveloped acres across from The Forum on S.R. 141.

Becoming land owners was not the intention when the city was formed said Mayor Mike Mason in his opening remarks. But to avoid having the property developed into 250+ apartments, it ended up to be the city's only option.

"We didn't know until October 2012 that Charlie Roberts (the current property owner at the time) had plans to sell it," said Mason. The new owner was Lennar, a Miami, Fla.-based apartment developer. "It was a big surprise to us," he added.

Mason said the city looked for other options but time was running out as the new land owner intended to break ground later this year on an apartment complex.

"When we took the oath of office we promised to protect the quality of life of Peachtree Corners," said Mason. "The city is already at a 50/50 mix of single family homes to apartments." The additional apartments would "not benefit the community in the long run," he said.

After adjourning to executive session the Mayor and Council returned and by unanimous vote approved empowering the Mayor, City Manager and City Attorney to enter a contract to to purchase the property.

"I think it's a great idea, and it's good for the community," said Peachtree Corners resident Tom Hering after the meeting. "And it's good to resolve the issue (of the Roberts property being developed into apartments) that has been hanging over our heads for years."

But at least one of the 50 or so residents who attended the meeting didn't agree. "I think it's a terrible idea to buy the land," said Brent Johnson, who had run for the Post 5 seat last year.

Editor's note: Please read the Q&A posted on Patch which provides a good bit of information on the land purchase, how it will be financed, what will be done with the property and more. Click HERE to be directed to the Q&A.