Politics & Government

Buckhead Forest Residents Fight Church's Expansion Plans

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church plans to demolish homes in the community and then build a new 40-foot youth facility.

Residents of the Buckhead Forest neighborhood are fighting a Peachtree Road United Methodist Church’s plan to demolish adjacent residences and rezone the area to erect its new youth facility.

Buckhead Forest Civic Association President Kim Kahwach told BuckheadView, “We cannot support the expansion as currently proposed. It is too big, too intrusive, too commercial. The information we have been provided fails to demonstrate that the legal standards for obtaining approval of a SUP have been adequately addressed.“ 

The NPU-B zoning committee planned to decide Tuesday night on Peachtree Road United Methodist Church’s application for a special land use permit to build a new youth facility. However, after continued opposition from residents of the adjacent Buckhead Forest neighborhood, the church has applied for a deferral of its permit application to allow its representatives and attorney to receive more feedback from local residents.

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to BuckheadView, the church wants to build its 40-foot youth facility in a residential area of the neighborhood currently zoned R-4. The church already purchased a quadraplex residence, zoned RG-3, near its parking lot. 

The neighborhood has been squeezed on two sides by PRUMC, located at the neighborhood’s two Peachtree Road entrances, but also by the Peachtree Presbyterian Church on the Roswell Road border of the neighborhood.

Find out what's happening in Buckheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bill Murray, NPU-B zoning committee chairman, said he “feels” for the Buckhead Forest residents because of the squeeze being placed on the neighborhood, which he said has seen substantial positive “turnover,” increasing home values to the $1 million range, Buckhead View reported.

NPU-B board member and Buckhead Forest resident Amy Hilman said she would oppose the permit, according to BuckheadView.

The BFCA will meet Thursday at Basil’s at 2985 Grandview Avenue at 6 p.m. to answer questions and address concerns.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Buckhead