The Threat
The threat to the community takes the form of the demolition of original structures and their replacement with houses two and three times the size of the original structures. This 'tear down' phenomenon has accelerated in recent years, erasing the original setbacks of the residences as well as some of the original gardens, thus altering the historic character of the community. "Free market" advocates are willing to see the neighborhood preserved as long as there are no further constraints placed on their private property rights. Speculative developers also are engaged in this 'tear down' phenomenon. Further pressures include new construction and continued subdivision of original lots into smaller parcels. Originally outside of Atlanta 's city limits, Peachtree Heights West was incorporated into the city in the early 1950s. Unfortunately, incorporation brought with it a zoning ordinance that doesn't reflect the historic built pattern of the Peachtree Heights West neighborhood. New construction can occur with no variances required, no public hearings or comment. Awkward juxtapositions occur with new construction at a 50-foot setback sitting in front of original houses with a 125-foot setback or more. Visual discontinuity approaching chaos is beginning to take its toll.
In addition, traffic calming measures are being studied within the neighborhood that further threaten the integrity of the original street pattern and park reservation as well as the overall spatial orientation. Any traffic calming measures employed should be investigated carefully within the context of this important cultural landscape.
