Recent census

figures show a 7 percent spike in Fayetteville's population from 2001

to 2002 ranking it seventh in the state among cities over 10,000 people.

But city officials

aren't worried about that growth rate becoming a trend.

"This

year is way down compared to last year," said City Manager Joe Morton,

adding that he was not worried about the increased numbers becoming a

trend.

In 2002, there

were 408 building permits issued and the Census indicated the city grew

by 862 people. The city has recorded half as many residential building

permits so far this year, Morton explained, also 2002 "was certainly

a big year for Fayetteville," he said.

The Census

figures are based on the 2000 Census and updated using administrative

records, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site.

If the city

continued to issue over 400 residential building permits a year, "We

might not be prepared" to keep up with the growth, Morton said.

The spike in

Fayetteville's population could partially be attributed to a number of

new homes coming on-line that were originally projected to be ready the

previous year, Morton noted.

The Census

figures for 2002 also indicated that Peachtree City's growth is slowing.

Compared to the 2000 Census figures, the city gained 826 persons in 2001

but only 304 persons in 2002. Peachtree City ranked 34th in the state

in population growth for 2002, according to the Census rankings.