include commercial development, particularly in areas like downtown where businesses are struggling to bounce back post-pandemic. INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY As Villa Rica looks to accommodate its expanding population and increasing commercial interest, infrastructure, and road improvements have become critical focal points for its leadership. Reese is optimistic about the future, particularly regarding industrial growth. “Development is finding us, which is a good thing,” he says, referring to industrial clients’ recent uptick in interest.Villa Rica’s location along I-20—situated between Birmingham and Atlanta—has proven to be one of its strongest assets, and the upcoming north bypass will provide even more industrial space. While commercial and industrial development is advancing, maintaining and improving critical infrastructure is equally essential. Regarding internet access, Villa Rica is in a relatively strong position compared to more rural parts of Carroll County. “We’re not as rural as some areas that have struggled,” Mayor McPherson points out. However, traffic remains a significant concern, especially with Villa Rica being a hub for local and commuter traffic. Reese elaborates,“State highways and an interstate crisscross us, and that brings with it a problem.” The city recently conducted a comprehensive traffic study, confirming what many locals already knew: many of the cars clogging Villa Rica’s streets are outside the city.“A lot of folks that come through to Villa Rica don’t live here,” Reese notes, explaining that commuters use the city as a pass-through to get to their homes further west or north. This heavy traffic flow presents complications, particularly with the influx of 18-wheelers adding to the congestion. “We can do all the moratoriums we want on buildings here,” he adds, “but that doesn’t solve the issue of non-residents passing through.” 185 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 VILLA RICA, GA
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