The State Of Peachtree City: What Can Be Improved?

At the start of each year, Peachtree City’s mayor presents the “State of the City” address. This annual tradition gives us the opportunity to review where we stand and to outline a vision for our future.

In January 16th’s council meeting, Mayor Kim Learnard delivered her remarks. You can read her full address by clicking here, or you can watch her delivery here:

For those who didn’t read or watch the full address, the mayor shared an optimistic outlook on the city’s achievements and progress. Below are some highlights:

Traffic:

The ongoing upgrades at the Highway 54/74 intersection represent the largest transportation improvement project in Fayette County’s history. This initiative by the Georgia Department of Transportation aims to alleviate one of the city’s most significant bottlenecks by adding dedicated turn lanes and new signs along the entire corridor. Completion is expected by the end of 2026.

Fiscal Responsibility

Peachtree City continues to demonstrate strong fiscal health with a balanced $56 million budget for FY2025. Nearly half of this budget is allocated to public safety, ensuring that our police, fire, and emergency services remain a top priority. The city has also established a $31.5 million rainy-day fund, providing financial stability and ensuring preparedness for unforeseen challenges. This prudent management allows the city to invest in necessary infrastructure and services while offering some tax relief to residents, including expanded property tax exemptions for low-income seniors.

Recreation: 

Peachtree City is making significant strides in recreation. New facilities like a splash pad, a cricket field, and 24 municipal pickleball courts are on the horizon. Additionally, existing parks like Battery Way Park are receiving much-needed upgrades. Plans for a vibrant community gathering space on Kelly Drive include a Veterans plaza, children’s play area, and a boardwalk connecting to the Flat Creek Nature Area. These projects align with the city’s newly adopted Recreation Master Plan, which sets a long-term vision for enriching the community’s quality of life.

Business Development:

Peachtree City is revitalizing its commercial spaces and turning vacant properties into economic assets. B. Turner’s Clothing, a local family-owned business, has successfully reoccupied the former Stein Mart location while the old Kmart building is being transformed into indoor pickleball courts. Additionally, partnerships with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have brought 26 sporting events to the city in the past year, generating over 2,000 hotel room nights. 

Greenspaces:

Peachtree City remains a leader in environmental stewardship, earning Tree City USA status for its commitment to urban forestry. The city’s efforts to preserve and enhance its greenspaces have also been recognized with the Georgia Tree Council’s 2024 Outstanding Community Grand Award. Initiatives like the partnership with the Southern Conservation Trust are also bringing environmental programming, such as nature hikes and kids’ camps, back to Peachtree City.

Public Services:

Public safety continues to be a cornerstone of Peachtree City’s success with the Police Department achieving a 22% drop in major crimes and maintaining its CALEA Meritorious Award status. The acquisition of the Big Shots property will allow the city to develop a state-of-the-art public safety training center and Emergency Operations Center to enhance the department’s capabilities. The Fire Department has also retained its prestigious ISO Class 1 rating, and the Peachtree City Library celebrated its 50th anniversary with new cultural programs, historical exhibits, and community events.

What To Make Of The Mayor’s State Of The City?

Overall, I believe Peachtree City is thriving, and the mayor’s address reflects how we are making steady progress on key priorities. It’s clear that our elected officials and city staff are committed to our long-term success. 

However, while the State of the City address understandably emphasizes our successes, it’s important to recognize that no city is without its challenges. A thriving community requires not only celebration of its achievements but also an honest reflection on the areas that need improvement.

While opinions may differ on what needs attention, here are three areas I believe Peachtree City should focus on improving in 2025 and beyond.

Improving Traffic (And Not Just On Highways 54 & 74)

While the mayor highlighted progress on traffic improvements, congestion remains one of Peachtree City’s most persistent and frustrating challenges. The ongoing upgrades at the 54/74 intersection may be the largest transportation project in Fayette County’s history, but skepticism remains. Many residents (myself included) doubt that these changes will fully resolve the intersection’s issues. The project primarily focuses on improving north-south traffic flow, leaving the heavy east-west flow largely unaddressed. Although the city does not manage these state-controlled roads, it would be encouraging to see local leaders acknowledge these concerns and publicly advocate for the necessary solutions.

Beyond 54/74, there are several city-controlled intersections that present their own challenges. Here are three examples along Peachtree Parkway where local leadership has the opportunity to make meaningful improvements:

Crosstown Road and Peachtree Parkway:

This four-way stop in Braelinn Village often experiences backups with drivers often struggling to navigate right-of-way rules. Recognizing the need for a solution, City Council approved the design of a roundabout at this intersection on August 15th, allocating $51,250 from the 2017 SPLOST funds for the project. If implemented, the roundabout is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and improve safety by eliminating the confusion associated with a traditional four-way stop.

Robinson Road and Peachtree Parkway:

Graded as failing during rush hours in a Spring 2022 traffic study, this intersection experiences significant congestion and delays. Fortunately, the 2023 SPLOST allocated over $2 million for intersection improvements. While specific plans have yet to be finalized, potential solutions include the installation of stop lights or the construction of another roundabout.

Walt Banks Road and Peachtree Parkway:

Like Robinson Road, this intersection received a failing grade in the Spring 2022 study. Unlike Robinson Road, it was excluded from the 2023 SPLOST funding, leaving its much-needed improvements without a definitive plan or funding source.

Improving Annexations

Annexations have the power to reshape Peachtree City both literally and figuratively. Expanding the city’s borders can bring opportunities such as increased tax revenue and economic growth, but it can also strain resources or alter the character of an established area. Unfortunately, Peachtree City’s recent approach to annexations has shown a lack of foresight and preparation necessary to align with the city’s long-term vision. For instance, the last comprehensive Growth Boundary Study, a vital tool for guiding annexation decisions, was conducted in 2014. 

Despite the absence of updated planning, the city’s limits have continued to expand. In 2024, City Council approved the controversial annexation of 52 acres off Stagecoach Road, a move that disregarded the boundaries established in the 2014 plan. While the developer supported the annexation for introducing two new subdivisions into Peachtree City, the decision raised significant concerns. Chief among them was the lack of alignment with the city’s existing plans as the area was neither studied nor accounted for in prior growth strategies. This glaring oversight was a major reason why the Planning Commission unanimously voted against the annexation (a recommendation I personally supported as one of the dissenting votes).

The annexation also conflicted with Peachtree City’s core village concept, which emphasizes cohesive, planned growth with low-density residential areas on the outskirts of the city. Placing 21 lots on the city’s edge contradicted this principle.

Environmental concerns further compounded the controversy. The development’s reliance on septic systems posed significant risks to nearby wetlands and water supplies, raising critical questions about its long-term environmental impact. Many of these concerns remained unresolved at the time the annexation was approved.

Equally troubling was the fiscal analysis, which revealed that the tax revenue generated by the project would barely cover the cost of city services. This minimal economic contribution made the annexation’s long-term financial benefit highly questionable, casting doubt on the overall justification for the decision.

Despite these significant issues, the City Council voted 4-1 to approve the annexation. Of those currently on council, Councilmember Holland cast the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns about alignment with the city’s growth strategies and principles. Mayor Learnard and Councilmember Destadio voted in favor, believing the project would be better managed under the city’s oversight than if left to the county.

Looking ahead, Councilmember Holland has advocated for expanding the city’s boundaries to include more land for light industrial and commercial development, a move aimed at broadening the tax base. While this is a good idea, it underscores the need for deliberate, forward-thinking planning. Without a new Growth Boundary Study or similar framework, Peachtree City risks repeating the reactionary decision-making seen with the Stagecoach Road annexation that served the developer better than our greater community. Thoughtful planning must guide any future expansions to ensure they align with the city’s long-term vision and values.

Improving Our Village Concept

Peachtree City’s village concept stands as one of its most distinctive and cherished features. By blending recreational spaces, local businesses, and greenspaces together with accessible paths and infrastructure, each village functions as a self-contained yet interconnected community. As growth and development pressures increase, it is more important than ever to strengthen and preserve our villages to safeguard the unique character of our city.

Achieving this goal requires thoughtful planning and deliberate action. Every new development, renovation, or annexation should be designed to enhance the cohesive identity of the surrounding village. Village centers, in particular, should be revitalized as vibrant commercial and social hubs that foster a sense of belonging. These spaces must encourage gathering and interaction while ensuring accessibility for all residents, ultimately reinforcing the community-focused planning that makes Peachtree City unique.

Infrastructure and connectivity are equally important to the village concept. With over 100 miles of multi-use paths weaving through the city, Peachtree City’s villages are uniquely connected. However, not all residents are equally served. Some areas still require upgrades to ensure they can safely and conveniently access village amenities. Continued investments in path improvements, signage, and connections between neighborhoods will be crucial to maintaining and strengthening this hallmark of Peachtree City.

The in-the-works Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and its overlay districts represent a transformative step toward strengthening Peachtree City’s village concept. By consolidating and standardizing zoning, development, and land-use regulations, the UDO introduces a consistent and intentional approach to planning that aligns with the city’s vision. This comprehensive framework ensures that new developments not only adhere to established guidelines but also contribute to the unique character of each village. Overlay districts, customized for individual villages, will play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the distinct identities of each community. By establishing tailored architectural standards and guidelines, these districts will ensure that new developments and renovations reflect the unique qualities and character of their respective areas. 

The Planning Commission is currently leading the charge to bring the UDO and overlays to life. Through a combination of careful evaluation, community engagement, and actionable planning, the Commission is shaping the framework that will guide future growth in alignment with Peachtree City’s values. Once finalized, these measures will be presented to City Council for approval and implementation. 

Charting A Path Forward

Peachtree City’s “State of the City” address accurately highlights a community that is thriving in many ways. From sound fiscal management and new recreational developments to a commitment to preserving greenspaces and maintaining top-tier public services, there is much to celebrate. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of city leadership, staff, and engaged residents working together to build a better future.

Yet, no city is without its hurdles. As we grow, challenges such as traffic congestion, thoughtful annexation planning, and strengthening village identities must be met with collaboration, innovation, and a resolute commitment to Peachtree City’s core values.

Are we ready to rise to these challenges? What other priorities should we focus on to ensure Peachtree City remains a community we’re proud to call home? Share your thoughts and ideas with City Council by emailing [email protected].