Wednesday, July 16, 2003
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Wednesday, July 16, 2003 |
Fayetteville population growth spikes in '02, may level off for '03By JOHN
MUNFORD
Recent census figures show a 7 percent spike in Fayetteville's population from 2001 to 2002 ranking it seventh in the state among cities over 10,000 people. But city officials aren't worried about that growth rate becoming a trend. "This year is way down compared to last year," said City Manager Joe Morton, adding that he was not worried about the increased numbers becoming a trend. In 2002, there were 408 building permits issued and the Census indicated the city grew by 862 people. The city has recorded half as many residential building permits so far this year, Morton explained, also 2002 "was certainly a big year for Fayetteville," he said. The Census figures are based on the 2000 Census and updated using administrative records, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site. If the city continued to issue over 400 residential building permits a year, "We might not be prepared" to keep up with the growth, Morton said. The spike in Fayetteville's population could partially be attributed to a number of new homes coming on-line that were originally projected to be ready the previous year, Morton noted. The Census figures for 2002 also indicated that Peachtree City's growth is slowing. Compared to the 2000 Census figures, the city gained 826 persons in 2001 but only 304 persons in 2002. Peachtree City ranked 34th in the state in population growth for 2002, according to the Census rankings.
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