Friday, August 9, 2002

Exiting PTC official lauded for quality of city's developments

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

With a throng of well-wishers ranging from developers to concerned citizens, Peachtree City officials hosted a "retirement" party last week for Jim Williams, the city's director of developmental services who is leaving to become Fairburn's city manager.

City Manager of Peachtree City Jim Basinger said Williams was instrumental in continuing the updates to the city's master plan "and making sure it was followed."

"He got more green space, more landscape, more of everything that was good for the city," Basinger said, referring to Williams' arm-twisting of developers that benefited both them and city residents.

Although Williams caught flak for being in favor of projects he presented to the planning commission and city council, he worked tirelessly with developers to improve those projects beforehand "so they were worthy of something he could recommend," Basinger said.

City Planner David Rast, speaking for the developmental services staff, thanked Williams for his dedicated service and for the trust he places in them to "finish out" Peachtree City.

Former Mayor Bob Lenox also spoke, thanking Williams for "making me look good."

When Williams took to the podium, he said the credit really belonged to the city's teamwork on overseeing development projects, from planning and engineering to the building inspection process.

"I'm leaving them in very good hands," Williams said, adding that although he hated to leave, "I'm going to something major" in Fairburn.

Mayor Steve Brown read a proclamation making it "James B. Williams Day" in Peachtree City. Brown also noted that a tree in his honor would be planted outside City Hall with a corresponding plaque to recognize his service.