As the Peachtree City Planning Commission gathered under the warm glow of city hall lights on December 9, 2024, a sense of anticipation filled the room. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, a reminder of the community's shared values and commitment to civic engagement.

City Manager Justin Strickland took the floor, introducing the newest member of the team, Assistant City Manager Christopher Hobby. Hobby, eager to learn about the workings of the Planning Commission, was welcomed warmly by the members. Strickland then shared significant news regarding the city's development plans. He announced that the city council had expressed unanimous support for a unified development ordinance, a crucial step towards enhancing the city's planning framework. This ordinance is set to be discussed further at the upcoming December 19 meeting, where an official vote will take place.

However, Strickland noted a challenge: currently, there are no allocated funds for this project, as the budget had shifted to a contingency fund. He encouraged the commission to outline their next steps and identify any financial needs, assuring them that they could return to the council for potential reallocation of funds.

With no public hearings scheduled for the evening, the commission quickly moved through the agenda, approving the minutes from the previous meeting without any objections. The atmosphere remained focused and collaborative, setting the stage for future discussions and decisions that will shape Peachtree City’s development.

As the meeting progressed, the commission members reflected on the importance of their work, knowing that their decisions would impact the community for years to come. With the promise of upcoming public hearings and further discussions on the unified development ordinance, the commission is poised to play a pivotal role in the city’s growth and planning initiatives.