Developer Tom Reese’s vision for an upscale development in neighboring Coweta County could have a huge impact on the financial health of that county and the state.

McIntosh Village, which would border Peachtree City, was set for a rezoning vote last night (April 17) by the Coweta County Commission. If it’s approved, Reese told the commission last week, it will pay for itself, and bring more than $1 billion in tax revenues to the state and Coweta County.

The development would, when completed, feature more than 3,000 homes and 600,000 square feet of commercial space. Reese told the county that his financial advisors had crunched the numbers and determined the impact on the county.

“After the 15-year build-out, we will have contributed $232 million to the county’s budget, $241 million to the school board’s budget and over $575 million to the state,” he said.

The advisors used the county’s millage rate, along with ad valorem taxes, impact fees and estimated sales tax dollars to come up with the impact.

But the impact will not only be financial. Reese said his development will have echoes of Charleston and Savannah, and Peachtree City’s Historical Concepts architectural firm will help make his vision come true.

Historical Concepts president Jim Strickland, who helped design Disney’s town of Celebration, along with the North Cove development in Peachtree City, said he’s excited about the challenge.

“I applaud Tom for his vision and feel certain this is a development many people will be proud of,” he said.

Reese and Strickland unveiled their vision before a packed commission chamber last Thursday and heard opposition from a small number of residents.

“We moved out of the city and we want this to stay beautiful like it is,” said Karen Smith.

Another citizen who voiced concerns was Fayette County environmental activist Dennis Chase.

Chase said he had concerns over the development’s plans on dumping treated sewage water into Line Creek and said there were three endangered mussel species living in the area where the water could be dumped.

The proposed project borders Peachtree City’s western city limit, much of which is Line Creek.

“Maybe you ought to concentrate on what’s going on in Peachtree City,” said Commissioner Paul Poole. Poole’s comments were met with boos from the crowd and Chairman Tim Higgins warned the audience about public outbursts.

Some of the residents complained about additional traffic the new city would create, but Reese said there are numerous points to enter and exit the development.

“There are six routes to get to Interstate 85,” he said.

The routes include:

• TDK Boulevard to access Ga. Highway 74.

• Ga. Highway 54 to Hwy. 74.

• Ga. Highway 154.

• Hwy. 54 to Fischer Road.

• Hwy. 54 to Ga. Highway 34.

• Ga. Highway 16.

“When the development is built out, we’re looking at a peak of 2,400 cars during the morning rush hour,” Reese said.

On Friday morning, Reese reflected on the public meeting.

“I think it speaks well of the project that we had so little opposition,” he said.

For months, Reese has been soliciting opinions from neighborhood groups and said he also plans to work with Dennis Chase and address his sewer concerns.

“We’re working with a consulting group that is doing the planning for the North Georgia Metropolitan Water Planning District, so they are very familiar with the situation,” he said.

Reese said a land application system remains a viable option, but he wants to see how much capacity is granted the city of Senoia for the expansion of its sewer treatment facility by the EPD.

“We’re more than willing to pay our share to the city, which would probably be around $7 million,” he said.

Reese also cleared up one of the 27 conditions imposed by the county’s planning department. The condition centers around the completion of the controversial TDK Extension.

“The condition stipulates that a review will take place if we reach 1,000 homes built and 150,000 square feet of commercial space completed before the road is done,” he said.

Still, if the measure is approved by the county, Reese said a lot of work will have to be done before the first house is for sale.

“You probably won’t see anything on the site for two years,” he said.

For results of the vote, check The Citizen’s website and read a full account in Friday’s paper.