Fayette County officials are expressing concerns about a planned 180-acre, 488-home mixed use development in the city of Fairburn, but the county's comments may have little impact at this point.

The development already has received city approval.

Meadow Glyn development, on Ga. Highway 74 just south of Interstate 85, will have 40 acres of commercial development with 400,000 square feet of retail space along Hwy. 74, a 13-acre industrial section along Oakleigh Industrial Boulevard, and 126 acres occupied by 280 single-family homes and 208 apartments between the industrial and commercial sections.

Such a large development is classified as a DRI, development of regional impact, and regulations call for Atlanta Regional Commission review.

The ARC is expected to complete its report by Dec. 2, but the regional planning agency's suggestions are not binding on the city or the developer.

"It's really kind of late in the day to be asking for comments," said Fayette planner Pete Fresina.

"This project does lie within the Line Creek watershed," county planner Chris Venice told members of the County Commission recently, "and we have two intakes and a reservoir planned on Line Creek."

She said the project would generate 22,370 auto trips per day "in an area that is already congested."

And the acreage recently was annexed into the city of Fairburn, which means the city did not include the property in its comprehensive land use plan. "The land use plan should be amended to incorporate this area before this DRI proceeds," said Venice.

She has put those sentiments in writing and sent them to the ARC to include in its report.

Fairburn city clerk Yanisa Buice said the development already has been approved by the city, and ARC can make suggestions, but nothing binding.

She said the developer will install decelration/acceleration lanes to help move traffic off Hwy. 74, and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officials are considering establishing a park and ride lot near the development.