The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia observed “Developers Night” at a recent meeting at WhiteWater Country Club.

Bob Rolader, speaking for himself and partner Brent Scarbrough, said he had heard other builders comment about problems with lot availability. “There are lots available,” he pointed out. “Things have gotten a lot more expensive, and this makes it hard for smaller builders.”

He said that in order to compete with large builders, small builders are forming groups to buy homesites in subdivisions.

Another tendency, according to Rolader, is that construction is moving back into the towns because of zoning issues with counties.

Bruce Franklin and Dan Zavada of Arbor Springs Plantation in Coweta County, announced that the annual “Street of Dreams” tour of homes will be at Arbor Springs Plantation next spring. “We expect from 50,000 to 70,000 people at this event,” said Franklin.

Steve Enterkin of Steve Enterkin Homes, who is developing Highland Park in Fayetteville, also encourages small builders to “get together with other builders” and work as a team in purchasing lots. He said that several smaller developments are currently coming on line in Coweta County.

Cal McShan of Hayes Development said that because of regulations now in effect, developers are having to be “smarter” in developing property. He also spoke of the importance of having diverse projects, noting that Hayes is currently working on two residential developments in Henry County, an apartment complex in Coweta County, and a community of townhomes in McDonough.

He also noted that many communities are beginning to adopt tree ordinances. “Where this happens, there will really have to be a lot of cooperation between officials and developers,” he commented.

Jeff Betsill of Jeff Betsill Homes also spoke of the need to become smarter as builders and developers. “We need to go into planning and zoning meetings already prepared and go in with something which appeals to the planners,” he declared. “We need to pay attention to detail.”

Betsill, the current president of the Midwest Georgia association, also encouraged more participation in the association. “There is strength in numbers, and we need to be more pro active in stating our positions,” he said.

Corporate sponsor for the meeting was Wachovia Bank.

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves builders in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether Counties, currently has around 410 members. More information about the association can be obtained by calling the association office at (770) 716-7109.