The DeKalb County Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 12 voted to deny Walgreen’s request for a variance for a curb cut on Peachtree Road.
Following about an hour of debate at the Oct. 12 meeting, board members said they were disappointed that the members of the Brookhaven community and the developer of the future Walgreen’s pharmacy had not been able to compromise on the issue.
“It just disturbs me that we’ve heard lots of conflicting evidence,” said Chairwoman Bonnie Jackson.
About 15 people from the Brookhaven community came to the meeting dressed in white to show their opposition to the request. They said granting Walgreen’s permission for a curb cut goes against the overlay zoning requirements in Brookhaven that, among other things, aim to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
An initial motion to deny the request failed.
Board member Tyrone Magby suggested deferring the variance request for 30 days to give the two parties time to work toward an agreement.
Laurel David, an attorney for Walgreen’s, said there has already been enough time to work toward a compromise.
“My client is ready to move forward with denial or approval today,” David said.
The board voted 5-2 to deny the request.