Veterinary Clinic Voted Down at Planning Commission Meeting

On Tuesday night the Peachtree Corners Planning Commission voted against allowing a veterinary clinic to open in the first floor of a two-story office building.

Alberto Bazan, who lives nearby in the Wellington subdivision, had planned to buy the building and convert the first floor of the Parkway Office Suites to a veterinary clinic that his sister, a veterinarian, would operate.

"We feel there is a need for it," said Dick Carothers, Bazan's attorney. He pointed out that the Bazan family were long time Peachtree Corners residents and that their plan for a veterinary clinic would benefit the community. "This will be like a doctor's office for pets," he added.

Addressing the Planning Commission Bazan said: "This is actually the first building we looked at - we continued looking for a year. We like this location because we live nearby.

"We wouldn't do anything that is deemed to be a negative impact on the community," said Bazan.

But eight nearby residents who stood up during the Public Hearing didn't agree; all expressed a similar sentiment, there are more appropriate places for a veterinary clinic.

Lisa Proctor who also has an office on the second floor told the Planning Commission that if the the 25 businesses were required to leave, they would more than likely have to look elsewhere for office space as there were very few options with space and accomodations that the office suites provide.

Speaking in behalf of the UPCCA, Gray Terry, V.P. of Land Use for the organization said, "While we welcome the idea of a high end medical facility for animals to be located in Peachtree Corners, we submit that a more suitable location be encouraged and identified."

Diana Wheeler, the city's Community Development Director had recommended against the zoning change as well citing the 1996 zoning modifications restricting the property for a number of uses including "animal hospitals or veterinary clinics."

"Animal hospitals and veterinary clinics are not usually part of an office building possibly because of incompatibility." Wheeler said she saw the potential of conflict on a number of significant issues such as professional image of the businesses operating on the second floor, concern over air circulation, sound mitigation, the lack of outdoor space for owners to walk their dogs.

"Because of so many conflicts, I'm not sure this is the best location and we recommend denial of this request," she said.

After hearing presentations and comments Matt Houser made his recommendation against the request.

"The restrictions were placed on the property in the 1990s with the expectation that it would be office space, not a veterinary clinic," said Houser. The other commissioners agreed and the commission voted 4-0 against the request.

The request for a change in conditions will now go before the City Council, who will consider the the Planning Commission's recommendation and Bazan's  request and make a decision at its April 2 meeting.

Read also:

Veterinary Clinic Wants to Move into Office Building

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