By DAVE HAMRICK
Staff Writer

Hopeful community residents who are angry over Fayette County's plan to build a two million-gallon water tank in their neighborhood will have their concerns addressed at an informational meeting, to be announced.

More than 200 neighbors turned out recently to protest plans to build the tank at Ga. Highway 92 and Lee's Mill Road, but county officials say the tank is needed and the location is crucial.

The tank is needed not only for future capacity as north Fayette grows, but also to solve current water pressure problems in the area, said county manager Billy Beckett. "We need to go ahead and set a time and date for an informational meeting," Beckett told county commissioners during their meeting last week.

Commissioners decided to let the water committee set the time and place for the meeting, but members agreed with the concept unanimously. The water committee will consider a time and place for the informational meeting during its regular meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. at the water system office on McDonough Road.

"We'll make a formal presentation of the water system and where this fits in," said Commissioner Glen Gosa, who also acts as chairman of the water committee.

"Then we'll have break-out areas where they can see more detailed information with illustrations and experts in that particular area to answer their questions," Gosa added.

A critical area, he said, will be a break-out discussion of site alternatives. Neighbors have strenuously objected to the site chosen, saying it will make their neighborhood "look like an industrial park."

The tank is planned right next to an existing 500,000-gallon water tower, and residents say the combined presence of the two towers will be overwhelming. County officials say the only viable alternative sites are right in the middle of subdivisions.

Site choice also stirred up a lawsuit, as resident David Williams claims the land targeted for the water tank belongs to him. The land was deeded to the county in 1894, but later was deeded separately to Williams' grandfather, he said.

Judge Johnnie Caldwell granted summary judgment in the lawsuit, declaring that the land belongs to the county, but Williams has appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court.

In addition to presenting information in the public meeting, Beckett said the county will accept written public comment, but the meeting will not be a public hearing in that sense. "We'll respond either in writing or by telephone" to the comments, he said.