A new study commissioned by the city of Senoia shows that many of the residents are happy with the quality of life in the small town, but realize the town has a ways to go before it's the ideal small town.

The study is the result of a partnership between the city and the Georgia Conservancy. Residents from the community, along with professionals in urban planning, studied the city through a series of workshops and outlined a blueprint for a better community.

In assessing the city, the Workshop Steering Committee was asked to identify some of the assets and weaknesses in the community. Residents pointed to the quiet neighborhoods, family atmosphere and sense of safety as good points, but said the town's lack of infrastructure was a problem.

The town currently does not have a water or sewerage system and members of the committee would also like to see more downtown businesses and childcare facilities available to residents.

The study indicates that the next 20 years are going to be a period of rapid growth for the city. Senoia and its environs are expected to have 16,771 residents by 2015, and proper planning must take place to accommodate the growth.

In looking at the growth projections, the study recommends the city establish more places for recreation, and design neighborhoods for a mixture of ages, income and races. The study also recommends creating events, such as festivals and arts shows, to bring the community together.

To manage the growth, the study advocates keeping the town's growth in villages with space for 1,000 to 3,000 residents. The village center should have a small retail area and a small park to serve the residents.

Commercial development should be concentrated in the three villages along with the historic downtown and the proposed commuter rail station district. The town is one of the top three locations for a proposed commuter rail leading into Atlanta. The proposed station would be located at the intersection of Ga. Highways 85 and 16.

City officials received their copy of the study this week and said it's too soon to make any comments on it. One aspect of the survey Mayor Joan Trammell will comment on is the cost.

Trammell said she was under the impression the study was free, but recently received a bill from the Georgia Conservancy for $5,000. When she examined the contract between the city and the conservation organization, Trammell noticed the wording said the city "can" contribute $5,000.