Decision on Veterinary Clinic Moving into Office Space Could Come Soon

A recent rezoning request has pitted local business owners and residents against a Peachtree Corners family who dream of turning a two-story office building into a veterinary clinic.

At issue is whether or not the Parkway Office Suites, a Class A office building should be rezoned to allow for a veterinary clinic.

Currently there are over 20 business owners who maintain offices in the building, many are long-time tenants.

"It's not that I don't want a veterinary clinic in Peachtree Corners," said Jeff Thomas, who operates a business on the second floor. "This is a zoning issue, not whether Peachtree Corners should have a veterinary clinic. It's just not an appropriate location. If they had another location, I'd be all for it."

And there are at least a hand full of residents who live in the 36-home subdivision, Avala, that backs up to the building who worry about their property values if an animal hospital moves in and the possible negative effects the business could create.

Seven homeowners spoke at the March 12 Planning Commission meeting expressing their concern over the possibility of noise, smell and extra traffic.

Robert Hilburn, said he worries that property values would decline with a veterinary clinic located so close by.

But the potential buyer, Alberto Bazan, says it's the ideal building and location for his business. Bazan, a Peachtree Corners resident, feels the community would benefit from a veterinary clinic that he says one day may operate 24 hours-a-day seven-days-a-week as an animal hospital.

"We wouldn't do anything that is deemed to be a negative impact on the community," said Bazan who said the building would be sound proofed and the dog runs would be located inside the building.

Currently zoning specifically says veterinary clinics and animal hospitals may not operate in the building which is zoned C-2. Bazan has requested a change in conditions of the zoning.

At the Planning Commission meeting Matt Houser had pointed to the 1996 zoning modifications restricting the property for a number of uses including animal hospitals or veterinary clinics.

"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 request was voted down 4-0.

A representative with the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA), which represents a large group of homeowners also sided with the nearby homeowners.

“UPCCA supports the decision of the Planning Committee as it is in line with the direct feedback we have received from the community through our Land Use meeting on the topic," said Scott Hilton, the orgainzation's president. 

"UPCCA is dedicated to listening to our HOA members and driving growth in our area that increases home values and maintains the high standard we have set for our community.”

Lisa Proctor, a Peachtree Corners resident whose business is located in the Parkway Office Suites, worries about the outcome and how the City Council will decide.

"If any one of us owned a home behind this building we would be up in arms," she said. "I have to believe the City Council will do the right thing."

On Tuesday the City Council could hear the request to change the zoning conditions.

Related articles:

Veterinary Clinic Voted Down at Planning Commission Meeting

Veterinary Clinic Wants To Move Into Office Building

Keep up with community news - sign up for the free Peachtree Corners Patch newsletter and get news, events and more every day.