Sandy Springs goings on

Sandy Springs, Georgia USA - KENNY Rogers and Paul Brown have been in the news in Sandy Springs, north of Atlanta.

Kenny Rogers, ageing singer songwriter, bought and then demolished his $2.3 million home, planning to build a dream property on the 7.5 acres, but instead then decided to sell the empty plot for $4 million. This has upset neighbours who put up with months of demolition, tree-cutting and granite blasting, transforming the view from dense woods to dirt mound. Rogers said he was sorry for any inconvenience but you can't live your life for other people.

Paul Brown, son of Bob Brown of Red Baron Architectural Antiques, sold his old gallery and recently bought a redundant Slavic Church with a view to setting up a new auction gallery, which would entail its rezoning from dwelling to business. Neighbors feared this would mean monthly art viewings and auctions that could bring more noise and traffic. The Planning Commission recommended denial of Brown's application, citing its deviation from the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and its potential effects on the neighborhood.

Red Baron's next sale is on 18 Feb 2007.