The operative word in Union

City last year was growth.

Union City may soon be one

of the largest cities on the southside, with construction of new homes

continuing at a record pace.

Although city officials passed

a moritorium in June to try and give the town a chance to catch its breath,

there are enough buildable lots to create another town with Union City's

population.

The city had just over 3,586

lots available before it implemented the moratorium in the summer.

In the 2000 U.S. Census, Union

City had just over 11,200 residents. If all the lots "in the pipeline"

are built, the city could quickly double its population.

But, it's not only the

residential area of Union City that is starting to see favorable looks

from developers.

Earlier in the year, the city

won a $60,000 planning grant from the Livable Centers Initiative of the

Atlanta Regional Commission and selected a firm to take its plan into

action.

The community design and architecture

firm of Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates of Atlanta was picked

from three finalists and already began its work by reviewing existing

Union City projects and inventorying land use and analysis.

"We are looking for the

help of the Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh team to remake the Shannon Mall area

and environs into a seamless community," said Mayor Ralph Moore.

"With our enviable location

on Interstate 85 and its direct connection with Hartsfield Atlanta International

Airport and the amenities of Atlanta nearby, Union City has a very good

chance of being a highly desired address."