East Coweta’s first mega-development received its first approval Monday night by the Sharpsburg Town Council.

The council voted to accept the first read for the rezoning and annexation for nearly 500 acres near the intersections of Reese Road, McIntosh trail and Ga. Highway 54.

But the vote was not without controversy as rumors have swirled about Mayor Wendell Staley’s personal stake in the property.

“That’s just not true. The mayor’s property has never been a part of the Pathway’s project,” said town clerk Donna Camp.

Althought the first read was passed, Camp said the town could decided to conduct another first reading Feb.5, if the council decides its needs more information about the plan. Otherwise, Camp explained, the second and final reading would occur at the Feb.5 meeting.

The development is called Twelve Oaks at Sharpsburg and 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. By the time the project is built out, Sharpsburg could have an additional 2,000 residents to add to its current population of under 400 people.

Other features of Twelve Parks include 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-$200s and officials said that 660 jobs would be created by the commercial and office components.