Wednesday, November 20, 2002

Fayette and especially Fayetteville citizens, now is the time to voice your concerns about the proposed "Pavilion South" or forever be adversely affected. It is not inevitable that developers always have their way. Remember, years ago, how Cigna's massive development was cancelled and Fayetteville's [council members] were removed!

The existing Southside Land Use Plan is potentially damaging enough for everyone in, near, or traveling through Fayetteville. However, the proposed plan would greatly increase housing density and planned commercial to C-3 (75,000 square foot buildings).

The tremendous amount of planned high-density housing would dwarf all the existing surrounding areas. This is in keeping with the mayor's vow at one meeting "to keep Fayetteville the economic center of Fayette County."

Of interest, Peachtree City has property for five separate schools donated by other developers. Because of the Southside Master Plan's extra load on our schools, the Board of Education has asked for a mere 20 acres out of the almost 400 acres. These developers and the mayor said "no" at the task force meeting.

Look at the possible future increases in:

Crime At the Pavilion, big increases include car theft, a kidnapping, assault, and drug charges.

Traffic Big increases from other counties because of our low 5 percent sales tax. Don't forget all the supply trucks will be choking our two-lane highways. Incidentally, the city has "no idea how much increase to expect," but is only "concerned." Furthermore, the state DOT has no plans to widen Ga. highway 85 or 92 even by 2020.

Water The city already buys water because of shortfalls. Perry Creek runs through the property and one landowner already claims, "It is a loss due to pollution." Perry Creek is part of the drinking water watershed identified by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Air Additionally, the American Lung Association rated Fayette County in "the 25 worst counties in the nation for air pollution" already (AJC, May 2002).

Despite two consulting companies hired by the city reporting we already have too much retail space, our mayor and the developers publicly say that maximum monetary value from this property must be achieved. There has not been a word about the resulting loss in surrounding homeowner values.

We all paid for quality of life and the credibility of maintaining lifestyles. Our purchases have made the remaining property more valuable, so it is immoral to damage our home values with the proposed plan.

We have much more detailed information, but for brevity, I will close with the reminder that everyone should take time to ensure that each city councilman knows how you feel about this plan and the future for keeping Fayetteville and Fayette County the most desirable place to live. Next, we all need to attend the Dec. 5 meeting at City Hall at 7:30.

Jerry Shockey

Fayette County