Friday, January 2, 2004

Union City growing at breakneck speed

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special to the Citizen

The operative word in Union City last year was growth.

Union City may soon be one of the largest cities on the southside, with construction of new homes continuing at a record pace.

Although city officials passed a moritorium in June to try and give the town a chance to catch its breath, there are enough buildable lots to create another town with Union City’s population.

The city had just over 3,586 lots available before it implemented the moratorium in the summer.

In the 2000 U.S. Census, Union City had just over 11,200 residents. If all the lots “in the pipeline” are built, the city could quickly double its population.

But, it’s not only the residential area of Union City that is starting to see favorable looks from developers.

Earlier in the year, the city won a $60,000 planning grant from the Livable Centers Initiative of the Atlanta Regional Commission and selected a firm to take its plan into action.

The community design and architecture firm of Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates of Atlanta was picked from three finalists and already began its work by reviewing existing Union City projects and inventorying land use and analysis.

“We are looking for the help of the Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh team to remake the Shannon Mall area and environs into a seamless community,” said Mayor Ralph Moore.

“With our enviable location on Interstate 85 and its direct connection with Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport and the amenities of Atlanta nearby, Union City has a very good chance of being a highly desired address.”