Pathway Communities’ Twelve Parks at Sharpsburg planned community got an icy reception Monday night from the more than 200 people that packed the recreation center in the tiny eastern Coweta town.

Twelve Parks at Sharpsburg would be built along McIntosh Trail, Reese Road and Ga. Highway 54 and is one of the proposed developments in Coweta County that is sounding alarms across Line Creek in Fayette County.

The Peachtree City-based developer started the presentation by unveiling the name and logo for the community that will feature 725 single-family homes, 60 townhomes and two commercial tracts. The name stems from the 12 parks that will be scattered throughout the massive development.

The proposed development fronts Hwy. 54 less than four miles from the Peachtree City and Fayette County borders.

“We wanted a name that addressed the specific characteristics of the proposed development, and we believe Twelve Parks will be a name that will be memorable and will resonate with homebuyers,” said Vice President of Marketing Peggy Sullivan.

Sharpsburg Mayor Wendell Staley said the town had been working with citizens for nearly two years to develop a vision for the town that would incorporate the old town feel with the new growth that was headed to eastern Coweta County.

But the vast majority of the residents in the room were unmoved by Pathway’s vision for a new Sharpsburg.

“You’re totally surrounding us. What consideration have you given to us?” said resident Kyle Rose.

Pathway officials said property values would rise because of the pristine new development, but residents voiced more concerns about rising property tax bills.

The new community will feature multi-use trails, but only throughout the Pathway community. If Sharpsburg wanted the old part of town to connect to the trails, town officials would have to work with other property owners to provide connectivity, Pathway officials said.

Another concern residents voiced was about the proposed wastewater treatment plant. Officials said a 300,000-gallon land-application system would be constructed with 250,000 gallons a day used for Twelve Parks. The remaining 50,000 could be used by the town.
Officials also said gray water lines would be installed during construction, so new residents could use the useable discharge from the system to keep their lawns green during the summer. Gray water in this context is water that is not drinkable but is usable for irrigation.
But residents maintained that property values would go downhill for current residents who live near the proposed wastewater treatment facility.

The proposed development features sidewalks on both sides of the street, a clubhouse, a swim complex and tennis pavilion for the residents. The average home price would be in the mid-200-thousands and officials said that 660 jobs would be created by the commercial and office components.

Nearly 21 percent of the workers would be able to live in the development, which is double what the state recommends, Pathway officials said.

“I don’t see who a clerk at Publix could afford a $200,000 home,” said one resident.

Twelve Parks would also feature 25 percent open space and an assisted living center.

Another area of concern is the number of children that would be attending Coweta County schools. With the schools already absorbing almost 1,000 new students a year, many wondered how the school system would deal with the new students who would live in the development.

Pathway officials said 600 students would live in the new development, but Assistant Superintendent Jerry Davis said that figure was low and wanted to sit down and talk with the developers.

“We’d love for you to donate about 25 or 30 acres for a school site,” Davis said.

When he was told that was not part of Pathway’s plan, Davis retorted, “That’s why we would like to talk to you.”

The town of Sharpsburg is in the process of rezoning and annexing the property, because Pathway officials said they want to be a part of the old-town feel of the area. The homestyles are Southern and bear historic names from Sharpsburg’s past.

Staley thanked the large crowd for attending and said the first read for the rezoning and annexation would be Oct. 9.

If the measures are passed, Pathway officials envision the first residents moving into Twelve Parks in 2008, with a full build-out by 2013.

Pathway — once known as Peachtree City Development Corp. — was the main developer of Peachtree City from the late 1970s through the 1990s. With Peachtree City approaching its build-out, much of Pathway’s development work now is being done in Coweta and other counties.

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