By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizen.com
Those traveling along Ga. highways 34 and 54 near Fischer Road in east Coweta County in recent weeks could not miss the massive grading work being done on the 47-acre tract on the northeast corner of the Fischer Road/Hwy. 34 intersection.
The site is the location of the next phase of the large Fischer Crossing commercial development where 200,000 sq. ft. of retail is expected to open in 2015. Tenants for the development have not been announced.
Project representative Steven Gaultney last year told commissioners the development would represent a $32-33 million investment.
Originally rezoned from RC (rural conservation) to C-7 (major commercial shopping center) several years ago in accordance with the county’s 2006-2026 Comprehensive Plan, the 47-acre northeast quadrant of the Fischer Road/Hwy. 34 intersection was to be home to a Kohl’s department store that would serve as the anchor. The Great Recession make quick work of Kohl’s plans, resulting in the company declining its spot as the anchor store and the smaller retailers following suit.
Sam’s Club, located on the northwest corner of Fischer Road and Hwy. 34, and NCG Cinemas in the northeast quadrant are the only businesses to date to populate the large commercial area that could eventually include a total of 110 acres and up to 700,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
Just east of the Fischer Crossing development, finishing touches are being put on the median cut at Wynn’s Pond Road directly across the street from the Hwy. 54 access point to Trinity Christian School. The median cut was one of two requirements before the first certificate of occupancy can be issued at the retail center.
The other requirement which must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy is the completion of a gated cul-de-sac on the west side of Wynn’s Pond Road near the retail area for use by residents of the Featherston Fishing Club and emergency vehicles.
