Mayor outlines growth, sewer capacity concerns and major projects as Villa Rica pivots to commercial investment
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Summary
In an annual update Mayor recapped a renewed multifamily moratorium, warned that sewer capacity was constrained and highlighted several large projects — including a Tanner Hospital expansion, downtown streetscape and multi‑million‑dollar road projects — while urging a shift toward commercial development.
Mayor delivered an extended annual update at the Jan. 13 meeting, highlighting city actions, infrastructure constraints and several large projects the council will manage this year.
Housing and capacity: The mayor reminded the council it adopted a six‑month moratorium on multifamily housing in 2024 and later strengthened development policy after staff discovered wastewater‑treatment capacity was more limited than previously reported. 'We have been growing too quickly outpacing our infrastructure,' the mayor said, and the council cited plans to expand the West Wastewater Plant as a priority.
Economic and commercial projects: The mayor reviewed recent private and public investments: Tanner Hospital’s major expansion — described as a four‑story, approximately 74,000‑square‑foot project that will add about 25 beds and expand women’s services — a 24‑acre Peach State trucking center at Exit 26, and new retail such as Tractor Supply. The mayor also urged the council to pursue higher‑quality commercial development that places less demand on city services than new housing.
Transportation and safety grants: The new North Bypass opened Jan. 5, removing through truck traffic from downtown and enabling local streetscape work; the city has an adopted downtown streetscape and engineering grant in place. The council received a final safety action plan from consultant Keckenwood under a Safe Streets for All grant (approximately $400,000 with a $100,000 local match) and will consider adopting the plan at an upcoming meeting after a high‑level presentation.
Road projects and costs: Staff reported that Pumpkin Town Road Phase 1 has an estimated construction and right‑of‑way cost of $7,420,000 and that right‑of‑way acquisition could take 18–24 months. RFPs for the Villarrica Parkway construction were on the street with submittals due Feb. 9 and the city expects a special meeting to award the contract in mid‑to‑late February.
What residents asked for: Several residents raised traffic and safety concerns tied to recent housing buildouts (see separate public‑comment coverage); the mayor and staff said the safe‑streets plan and forthcoming road projects are intended to address those issues over time as funding allows.
Next steps: The council will consider adopting the Safe Streets action plan in an upcoming meeting and will move forward with procurement for parkway construction and right‑of‑way acquisition as schedules and utility relocations permit.