I have now lived in Peachtree City for six months. I moved from the overdevelopment of upper Gwinnett County to the good schools and “village” atmosphere of Peachtree City. I began reading The Citizen to supplement conversations with local people in order to get a feel for how things work here.

I am extremely happy with the schools. Huddleston Elementary has been cited as a 2008 school of excellence. That alone has justified our move.

What I have also noticed is that most people in Peachtree City like the “village” concept but don’t know how to fight City Hall.

Since August, I have read about more 3-2 votes in the City Council with the same sides never changing. It seems one side is for increased tax revenue for city services and the other side wants to stick to the original intent of villages within Peachtree City.

The light on Ga. Highway 54 and Line Creek Drive is a perfect example. One side seems to side for the developer every single time with the threat that if a shopping center doesn’t come into that space, a gas station will. Is either in the best interest of Peachtree City?

I understand property rights, but there is a reason people moved to Peachtree City and stayed. It definitely was not to watch it turn into another Gwinnett County with strip malls, office parks, and Section Eight apartments competing for space among subdivisions.

Another example is the discussion on what to do with the property that will border the future Lake McIntosh. One side wants to build more, including an events facility, with little regard for the village concept of Peachtree City.

I believe everyone needs to think about what is Peachtree City’s vision for the future. The City Council should ask the voters for their opinion. After that, every decision can then be looked through the lens of taking us to that place.

Will a new big box store and shopping center take us to that place? Will building a new factory instead of using an existing empty facility take us to that place?

But, what do I know? I’ve only been here six months. I’m sure there are others who “know” a whole lot more.

Greg Reeder

Peachtree City, Ga.