It should be smooth sailing for an annexation and rezoning request by Piedmont Fayette Hospital to include 17.85 acres north of the hospital for future use as a day care center, parking spaces and for stormwater detention.

Fayetteville Planning and Zoning commissioners had few questions at the Sept. 9 work session and are expected to vote on the measure Sept. 23.

The undeveloped property in question is situated behind the hospital and abuts Sandy Creek Road on the east.

Responding to questions from commissioners, Piedmont Fayette’s Tracy Cofer said the hospital’s only plans for the undeveloped acreage was for future use as a day care center on the west side of the annexed area and for future expansion of the number of parking spaces directly behind the hospital. Stormwater detention would be located on the east side of the annexed property near Sandy Creek Road.

Commissioner Bill Talley said annexing all three parcels included in the 17.85-acre request was a good idea rather than waiting until the area is surrounded by residential.

Commissioner Allen Feldman agreed, saying he saw the logic in the request, but noted that the city usually requires a specific use attached to proposals for annexations and rezonings.

Cofer responded, saying the hospital’s future plans only include the day care center and parking.

“We’ve been before you many times and we haven’t stretched the truth yet,” Cofer said.

The request will be up for a vote Sept. 23.

An area of more than 2,000 acres to the north and west of the hospital is the subject of the Highway 54 Task Force whose members include the city and county, property owners, the hospital and school board. The large area is expected to be a future site for residential development with the additional expectation that the area west of the hospital will be annexed into the city.