Planned Windmill In Atlanta Neighborhood Causes Controversy

"A 45-foot wind turbine could be erected in Grant Park on Wednesday morning, after neighbors opposing the device lost their appeal at a city board hearing.

The power-generating turbine, with three 6-foot blades, would the first in an Atlanta neighborhood.

Homeowner Curt Mann says his son's fourth-grade class at Neighborhood Charter School in Grant Park plans to gather at the Mann home Wednesday to watch the tower go up.

But opponents could put a halt to those plans if they decide to seek an injunction in Fulton County Superior Court to halt construction and a judge grants the request.

Attorney Linda Dunlavy said tower opponents have not yet decided whether to seek the injunction or appeal Friday's Board of Zoning Adjustment ruling to Superior Court.

"It's not over with," said Gary Juster, who lives next to the Manns. "We believe it violates the historic fabric of this neigborhood."

The sleek modern device would be out of place on a street where old houses have been lovingly preserved, and wouldn't generate much power because of low wind speeds, opponents contend.

They also say if the tower's allowed, any structure not specifically prohibited in city law could be built.

"Pretty much anything could go up anywhere in the city," said tower opponent Matthew Coble, who owns a house he's trying to sell next to the Manns.

The Manns say they're simply committed to relying less on fossil fuels in order to help curb global warming. The turbine will cost them about $15,000.

"We're just trying to walk the talk, " Christine Mann has said."