Moratorium Issues Discussed at City Council Meeting

In its weekly meeting the City Council met to finalize the ordinance to create the position of city manager. But the 90-day building moratorium placed by Gwinnett County was what was on most people's minds who attended the meeting.

It was intended to avoid such problems as the new city of Johns Creek faced when a permit for an adult video and merchandise store, the Love Shack, was able to get permitting before the city could officially manage the planning and zoning explained Mayor Mike Mason.

Unfortunately a blanket moratorium also affects homeowners seeking a building permit to build a new back deck or a business owner who wants to reconfigure the interior of an office building to accommodate a new client.

"We will keep the moratorium as short as possible," said the mayor.

Peachtree Corners Acting City Attorney Bill Riley acknowledged that Gwinnett County's moratorium has created problems for residents and businesses alike.

"These are the growing pains of starting a new city," explained Riley. "But the moratorium provides protection for both the county and the city."

Riley, who was on hand when Dunwoody became a city pointed out that DeKalb and Dunwoody were able to defeat billboard companies that had applied for permits during the interim period before the city could take over.

Riley said city leaders and the county are working closely to assure a smooth transition. "Chairman Nash and District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard have been a tremendous asset during this process," said Riley.

The Peachtree Corners City Council plans on meeting weekly for the next several months. All meetings are scheduled to convene on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Fowler YMCA. But the venue may change from time to time to rotate between sites in the three voting districts.

Peachtree Corners Patch will announce each upcoming meeting as soon as the information is available.

All city council members were present, 24 people attended the May 15, 2012 meeting.

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