Recently, our city politicians passed the Traffic Impact Ordinance in an attempt to prevent further deterioration of the traffic situation along and near the [Ga.] Highway 54 corridor.

For those of you that pass through this area, especially those who do so during the peak driving periods, you know that you can expect traffic jams and long waits. Accidents occur frequently at the Hwy. 54 and [Ga.] Highway 74 intersection, and emergency vehicles must contend with the gridlock just to get to the accident scenes.

While they may have waited too long to act, our council members have finally decided to take a step toward fixing the problem. The traffic ordinance would force developers to conduct a traffic study before their development could proceed, and those developments that could make this nightmarish situation worse would be put on hold until the problem could be mitigated. It is not a perfect solution, but a good first step in preventing our city's main roads from looking like Hwy. 85 in Riverdale.

Sadly, Pathway (the former PCDC gang) has decided that their ability to rake in the largest possible profits for their properties would be impacted, and thus have filed suit to overturn the traffic ordinance as unconstitutional. Never mind the public welfare and safety, never mind what is best for our community, it's every man for himself and may the one with the best lawyer win.

Face it, folks, the PCDC group (I just can't get used to their new name) is only out for themselves and unless the community stands up for what is best for us, these guys will push through whatever developments they want.

Now, to add insult to injury, our city's politicians have decided to rename the Flat Creek Nature Center after Jerry Peterson, the vice president of planning for PCDC/Pathway. During the ceremonies, our mayor pointed out Mr. Peterson's “commitment to the goals of Peachtree City's land use plan.” Does this commitment include taking the city to court to force development on us that will make our roadways a virtual gridlock? It seems ironic that while we rename our nature center after one of the principles of PCDC/Pathway that group is taking us to court to force further development upon us.

The court battle should be interesting, if our city attorneys are prepared for a real fight. The matter will hinge on constitutional issues and determine whether a city has the right to protect its citizens' safety and welfare. If our city loses in court, we all lose. Expect further development along the overcrowded highway corridors and a further deterioration of our quality of life in Peachtree City.

Make your voice heard. If you are concerned about your city's future, let our city council members and mayor know that you want and expect them to fight this battle on our behalf. We must take a stand against developers, who are only interested in what is best for them, and not what is best for the rest of us.

You can reach the mayor and city council members at their city hall address (151 Willowbend Road) or you can e-mail the mayor and two of the council members at their e-mail addresses: Mayor Lenox at Blenox@cfcmail.com, Annie McMenamin at jmcmenamin@worldnet.att.net, or Carol Fritz at genefritz@msn.com.You are always welcome to show up at the City Council meetings as well; the next meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 18.

Let them know that you are concerned with traffic and the quality of life in our community, and that you expect them to do what is best for our residents.

Steve Fodor
Peachtree City

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