Hearing Scheduled Tonight In Papa John's Tree Controversy

In its commercials, Papa John's International Inc. says it sets itself apart by having better ingredients for a better pizza.

But residents in southeast Atlanta — who will make their case Nov. 16 at a 6 p.m. hearing of the Tree Conservation Commission — just want the pizza chain to be a better neighbor.

The controversy stems from a planned 1,540-square-foot Papa John's franchise slated for 1098 Moreland Ave.

The developer's plans call for the removal of 10 trees ranging from 15 inches to 48 inches in diameter to accommodate for parking.

But residents in Ormewood Park and East Atlanta Village say the property, which is tucked in the southeast corner of the city limits, doesn't need that much clear cutting.

Opponents, led by Ormewood Park resident John Morse, say the project can be built with just two trees having to be cut.

"There's room for the store without clear-cutting the trees," Morse said, explaining no one is against Papa John's.

The trees include:

• 1 maple tree, 31 inches in diameter
• 7 oak trees: including one 48 inches in diameter, one 25 inches in diameter, one 22 inches in diameter and four 18 inches in diameter
• 1 pecan tree, 15 inches in diameter
• 1 Eastern Hemlock, 23 inches in diameter

The tree commission already has had two hearings on the project.

A Papa John's spokesman did not return a telephone call Wednesday seeking comment.

Morse said he's made several attempts to contact officials at Louisville, Ky.-based Papa John's including, John H. Schnatter, company founder and chairman.

"I left messages with everybody I possibly could and never got a response," Morse said. "I even called Papa John himself."

Opponents say the city's current trees ordinance calls for the preservation of Atlanta's tree canopy and the maximum effort on the part of homeowners, developers and businesses to try to save them, particularly those already matured.

"We're seeking to save some of these old, major trees," Morse said, noting that a wide stretch of Moreland Avenue just south of the Papa John's site is a sea of asphalt.

"Saving trees in Atlanta is a significant public interest," he said.