In this second essay, the focus will be on two quality of life issues: recreation and the proposed West Village annexation.

It has been an honor to serve our community as a Recreation Commissioner. I participate in workshops and debates designed to enhance and preserve our recreation facilities. Peachtree City rightfully takes pride in its excellent recreation programs.

However, our master plan shows field capacity does not meet current demand. Hockey, lacrosse, and basketball all turn away children. There are approximately 22 acres adjacent to the Baseball-Soccer Complex designated for recreation. New playing fields will allow us to meet the growing needs of our athletes.

The city’s objective should be to secure timely and adequate funding. I welcome this challenge. As a successful fund-raiser for our schools and other organizations, I will encourage private-public partnerships.

The All Children’s Playground, Dog Park and Field of Hope are successful projects primarily funded through private means, thereby protecting your tax dollars. We can use these models to serve our citizens in a fiscally responsible manner.

Peachtree City’s signature is our cart paths. Age has formed bumps and cracks that cause serious problems and must be repaired. We have to allocate grant and SPLOST funds to repair and widen paths to a safe condition. Walkers, runners, bikers and golf carts all use our path system. We must provide our citizens with safe paths and preserve our unique infrastructure.

The West Village is the last opportunity for meaningful residential development in Peachtree City. The county’s zoning plan may have fewer homes but it will stress our infrastructure without providing impact fees or amenities.

Do not be deceived; this area WILL be developed and PTC fire and police will provide services. I will only support annexation that enhances our roads, schools, green space, and recreation.

We all suffer from traffic due to west side development. The city must solve this dilemma either by funding an alternate egress or supporting viable annexation.

My stance on annexation was not developed because I moved to Centennial subdivision nine months ago, nor as election rhetoric. As a concerned PTC citizen, I attended town and council meetings; I talked to citizens and developers. My opinion is based on solid research.

My experience and common sense approach will enable me to serve as a successful steward of PTC.

Please honor me with your vote Nov. 8.

Cyndi Plunkett
cyndi@cyndiplunkett.com

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