This past year in Peachtree City can only be described as a precursor for things to come. From bringing in more business to cleaning up our community, this past year is one that Peachtree City can call a success, thanks to our citizens and employees. I found several things in the past year’s activities that can go into the positive column for the community.
In January, the PTC Fire Department unveiled its new Education Bus, a former schoolbus that was renovated and customized through the donations of many businesses and organizations. Peachtree City’s Library began offering E-Books in 2011, and the city worked with The Guide Magazine to publish a new, four-color street and path map.
In March, the Fresh Market opened at Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center, providing a new anchor and sparking a renovation as part of the construction.
Also in March, Gospel Truth Pictures used our amphitheater to film a scene from the upcoming movie, Joyful Noise, which is due in theaters later this month.
Jim Pennington was selected as Peachtree City’s new city manager, which has resulted in the consolidation and streamlining of some of our departments to improve communication and operations. We also began to address some of our aging facilities and formed the Public Facilities Authority to provide funding.
In May, Peachtree City held the first Great PTC Path Cleanup in conjunction with Keep Peachtree City Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup. Over 100 volunteers and organizations helped to remove litter from our path system.
In June, Peachtree City received recognition as one of the six finalists for “Most Patriotic City” in the Rand McNally/USA Today “Best of the Road” competition. We again earned a spot in the www.RelocateAmerica.com and CNN/Money Magazine 100 Best Places to Live, were recognized by Family Circle as one of the 10 Best Towns for Families, and Fayette County earned the #2 slot on Business Insider’s ranking of 20 American cities and counties that “Could Be The Next Silicon Valley.”
This summer, the Peachtree City Police Department received the “Technology Award” and overall third-place honors in the National Law Enforcement Challenge held by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run AdventuRally made an official stopover in Peachtree City in September. Participants voted Peachtree City the “Great American City” from the communities they visited during the challenge.
Peachtree City economic news
In October, Peachtree City received an AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa1 rating from Moody’s, the same ratings as the city received in 2008, prior to the downturn in the national economy. We also adopted the FY 2012 budget with no millage increase for the year.
Interest also seems to be picking up in Peachtree City’s residential market. City Hall received over 1,200 requests for information about Peachtree City from people looking at moving to the Atlanta area.
Our local business climate also had some strong success stories. Panasonic entered into a partnership with AT&T to explore customized “connectivity” products for auto manufacturers, with Peachtree City serving as the testing community. AT&T will provide network services and Panasonic Automotive Systems Company will supply the hardware and integration services.
One of our newest corporate citizens, Sany, completed construction on the first phase of their multi-million dollar investment in the community, and announced an additional Research and Development Facility that will further enhance their presence here by an estimated $25 million.
Longtime Industrial Park resident NCR also completed a major expansion of their local facility, and Universal Services made a $60 million investment here.
Peachtree City’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) also had a strong year, helping to fill almost 11,000 additional hotel rooms in 2011. This resulted in $942,000 in additional revenue for the local hotels, and a corresponding increase in hotel/motel taxes collected.
The CVB also launched a new video in December that captures the feel of the community for those planning conferences, tournaments, and other events in the area.
To better serve our community the CVB will be expanding the welcome center in 2012. To see the video and other community information please visit the CVB’s website at www.visitpeachtreecity.com.
Partnerships for additional services
Peachtree City has also entered into two public-private partnerships to help expand programs and services to the community. In July, the city partnered with Fresh South Market, a local non-profit organization, to develop a community garden on city-owned property on Kelly Drive.
We have also teamed up with Fayette Senior Services, a non-profit organization serving Fayette County, to expand services at The Gathering Place on McIntosh Trail. The management agreement goes into effect in January, and will allow a wider range of activities and services locally.
Great things ahead
Overall, many good things happened in our community over the past year due to the efforts of many – volunteers, local organizations, our business community, and our professional staff. I offer my thanks to everyone who helps to make Peachtree City such a wonderful place to live and look forward to an even better 2012. Happy New Year!
Vanessa Fleisch
City Council Post 4
Peachtree City, Ga.
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[Fleisch is an associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Professionals in Peachtree City.]
