The main reason Robert Brooks

decided to resign from the Peachtree City Council is so he can help the

city's growth streak continue, he says.

But now that the city's residential

areas are rapidly nearing buildout, the growth will need to occur in the

city's industrial park, Brooks said earlier this week. The growth will

be needed to help fund several special projects, including a possible

civic center, a teen center and a performing arts facility, he added.

"All that starts to add

up," Brooks said. He also mentioned that avoiding a millage rate

increase could be difficult for future City Council members.

To help improve the city's

bottom line through industrial growth, Brooks may apply to become a member

of the city's Development Authority. He also is considering other roles

to help with industrial recruitment.

Brooks's term on council would

have ended this December, and he could not have sought reelection due

to term limits. His early resignation doesn't really hurt council since

there haven't been any crucial issues surfacing lately, Brooks added.

"We don't have that many

large issues now," he said. "And it won't disrupt the operation

of the city or cost anything."

Since there's less than a year

left in his term, Brooks's replacement will be appointed by council instead

of being named in a special election. In November, voters will choose

who will permanently fill the seat for the following four years.

Brooks said he didn't resign

to clear the way for a special appointee who could get his or her feet

wet before running for a council seat in the election. Any candidate chosen

variety of viewpoints among council members.

The veteran councilman said

he still cares deeply about the city, a feeling that motivated him to

stay active in city affairs, he said.

Brooks also wants to help the

small businesses already in the city and attract businesses where employees

can afford to live in Peachtree City.

Currently, many businesses

rely on workers from outside the city, because companies can't afford

to pay enough to attract local residents, Brooks added.