Jim Williams, one of the persons

most responsible for attracting quality development to Peachtree City,

plans to leave his post as the city's director of developmental services

next month.

Williams, a 15-year city employee,

has accepted the job of city manager at Fairburn, following ex-Peachtree

City Clerk Nancy Faulkner, who now serves as Fairburn's clerk. His departure

from Peachtree City leaves City Planner David Rast as the heir apparent

to oversee the city's development and anticipated redevelopment of older

areas.

Williams said he was asked

to apply for the position and he decided he could have an affect on attracting

quality development to Fairburn.

"There's going to be an

explosion in south Fulton," Williams said. "It could be an advantage

to Fairburn."

Williams originally planned

to work in Peachtree City another year or two "before I put my feet

up and relaxed" but the opportunity to help Fairburn was too much

for him to pass up.

He's not worried about Peachtree

City's fate either. First off, development is slowing down and secondly

the city has a great staff to tackle the task.

"One of the things I've

tried to do here is have a really good team in place," Williams said.

"But the development era here is just about over."

Williams said his decision

to leave Peachtree City was not based on "any negative feelings"

whatsoever.

"I feel pretty good about

things. I feel I have left a good situation," Williams said, noting

that the City Council and Planning Commission will keep a watchful eye

on new developments.

He also recognized that the

job in Fairburn comes along with an increased workload. But Williams seems

ready for it.

"It's the kind of work

I really enjoy doing," Williams said. "And when you enjoy your

job, it doesn't seem quite as burdensome."

Williams leaves Peachtree City

on a high note as the gigantic Wal-Mart/Home Depot site prepares to open

within months. The stores, which combine for well over 200,000 sq. ft.

"don't jump out at you," Williams said, attributing the success

to the work of a number of people.