Fayetteville City Council Aug. 15 gave the green light to an in-depth study of the developing medical mecca on the city’s east side along Ga. Highway 54. The council will join Fayette County staff and elected officials and property owners on the Hwy. 54/Hospital Corridor Task Force.

“The [state route] 54 corridor, particularly in the vicinity of the hospital, continues to experience significant develop pressure,” City Manager Joe Morton said Aug. 9. “The continued growth of medical facilities and related uses in that area, a possible site for higher education and other institutional uses, the necessity of sewer for such uses and the current marketing of large tracts of land has brought this area to the planning forefront.”

Councilman Larry Dell stressed the need for a thorough process, citing the current and future importance of the developing corridor, both in terms of responsible planning and to keep citizens aware of those plans.

Responding to a question from Councilman Walt White on the identification of property owners, Morton said those individuals would be determined at the first task force meeting. To date, approximately four large-tract property owners had been contacted by the city or county, said Morton.

Morton suggested task force members meet several times during the coming months to generate an overall development plan that would include recommendations on issues such as density and zoning, the transportation network, incorporated versus unincorporated areas and land use. Responding to a question by Councilman Paul Oddo, Morton said the meetings would be open to the general public.

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