Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mayors share thoughts on progress

By Winston Skinner

The Times-Herald

Four Coweta County leaders feel their towns are prepared for the future.

A panel of mayors spoke at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce's Early Bird Breakfast on Tuesday at Central Educational Center. Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Owens of Senoia joined Newnan Mayor Keith Brady, Grantville Mayor Casey Houston and Moreland Mayor Josh Evans at the event.

All four talked about the growth and progress of their towns in recent years -- and their dreams for the future. Dennis McEntire, general manager of Newnan Utilities, was the moderator for the panel discussion.

All four also talked about how they work with county government to accomplish certain goals.

Brady said that two years ago, he would have told the Chamber about Newnan's efforts to manage its growth -- a situation that has changed dramatically. In 2005, Newnan issued 1,008 residential housing permits. Last year, that number dropped to 188. Last month there were only three.

Brady said the city is now managing the lack of growth -- making infrastructure improvements using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds.

He said work is slated on the bypass from Bullsboro Drive to Carrollton Highway, which will last for about 30 months. "That's going to be a great project, but it's going to be immense," he said.

He said Newnan is working with Coweta County on the restoration of the historic 1905 Coweta County Courthouse downtown. Newnan is contributing $1.8 million toward the $7.5 million project. The completion of the restoration will have "a huge impact on our downtown area."

Houston noted Grantville has -- in conjunction with the county -- completed a $2 million upgrade of its ball fields. Groundbreaking for a $1 million library is set in the near future. The county also is helping with extension of water lines on Grandma Branch Road.

Houston said Grantville has also undertaken much needed upgrades of its electricity and sewer facilities and has gotten its budgeting procedures in order.

Houston noted the town is getting a grocery store and a doctors office. There also area six new businesses -- "which is big for our city," Houston said.

"We've been very fortunate over the past few years to bring in a number of businesses," Owens said of Senoia. The city's government has not had to lay off employees or cut pay for city workers.

Plans are under way for a new police/courts facility and a new library in Senoia.

There also is a cart path project that will connect various parts of town -- "not that we will ever try to rival Peachtree City," Owens said. Residents will, however, be able to access downtown on foot, bicycle or golf-type cart -- as well as in a more traditional motor vehicle.

Owens said there is "quite a lot going on" in Senoia's downtown. The old Hutchinson Hardware building now houses several shops and boutiques. Two new businesses have also been constructed and opened.

The presence of RiverWood Studios is bringing movie projects and "good economic news" to Senoia, he said. Most recently, motion picture "Five Killers," starring Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl and Tom Selleck, has been filming in metro Atlanta and basing operations out of RiverWood, while cable TV show "Drop Dear Diva" was shooting scenes on Main Street last week.

Moreland is the smallest of the four municipalities in terms of population, and Evans's comments reflected that. He said the town is getting ready for an annual July 4 event that will feature a bike decorating contest, a dog walk, an arts-and-crafts festival and "the world's best barbecue."

He said Moreland Animal Hospital, which opened a few months ago, has been a boon to the town. He hopes some retail growth is in Moreland's future. "We actually need a restaurant. My preference is barbecue," he said.

He said county workers help Moreland immensely. County workers have helped with road projects and are planning to help with repairs to the Moreland Mill. The mill sustained damage during bad weather. The town has been "sprucing it [the mill] up so it will look good for the Fourth," Evans said.

"Our cities provide a lot of economic benefits to our community. Their success has a direct correlation to all of our success," McEntire said.

The mayors' views of the future were positive. "When the economy picks up, I'm sure all these cities and towns will grow," Evans said.

"The town is going to thrive. I think we're on the threshold of a lot of growth and a lot of progress," Houston said.

She said growth will ultimately change the way Grantville residents live. "Change is not always bad. As long as it's planned for and the public is educated, change can be a good thing," Houston said.

Grantville's "proximity to the interstate" makes it a prime location for growth as the economy improves. "We have projects in place ready to move forward," Houston said.

Brady said he wants to continue the economic growth that allows for children of current Newnanites to live in the town when they become adults. He mentioned the growth of the health care sector -- particularly the planned Cancer Treatment Centers of America hospital and the new Piedmont Newnan Hospital facilities.

Owens said Senoia could use more business in the Highway 85/Highway 16 intersection area.

Houston said the key is to plan and "get our name out there" to make sure "we'll be what we want to be." Owens said he wants Senoia to grow but to continue to be "the same little place we love."

Evans said a town which does not grow will "dry up and die." At the same time, he wants Moreland to always be a place that is primarily about families, a good place for parents to bring up their children.

"I grew up in Moreland, and I appreciate the smalltown values I learned through the Scouting organization and the churches and the town," he said.