(WSB Radio) -- An award-winning charter school in Alpharetta will have to make new plans for expansion.

Amana Academy, recently named the Coca-Cola Foundation's Georgia Charter School of the Year and recognized by Governor Nathan Deal for Innovation & Excellence during National Charter Schools Week, hoped to move from its current location to a business park on Windward Parkway near GA-400. But Alpharetta city council denied that request late Monday night.

"It's not about the school," Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas said at the hearing. "It's about any school and making a compelling reason to go in this spot, and I just don't think there is."

The City Council had to utilize overflow seating as dozens of people signed up to speak at the hearing.

One critic told the council members, "I'm very concerned that there will be significant traffic and safety issues."

Council members also cited Alpharetta's master plan for the area, which was designed to confine different activities in specific areas. They voted unanimously, rejecting the school's request for a special-use permit.

As for parents of Amana students, Issam Dalloul tells Channel 2 Action News, "Tomorrow is a brand new day. We start again, and we find another location."