Fort Bennings growth

[aboutmetro]

Even while the timing and magnitude may be depated, I think it's widely accepted that Columbus will grow more than historical trends in the next few years thanks to the Benning expansion. Still, this report by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget don't seem to reflect it... See the report here.

[aboutmetro]

Growth this time is in land mass. And I do mean 'mass' as in massive. WRBL reports a map was released by base planners. It shows parts of all counties contiguous to the base are under consideration as well as parts of Harris and Talbot.

[aboutmetro]

LaGrange/Troup County anticipate 'ripple effects' and resident soldiers, according to LaGrange News article.

[aboutmetro]

The O-A News reports on Smiths Station's growth between 2001 & 2010. And the new city's anticipated growth from BRAC. The city was founded 1 year after the 2000 census and so the 2010 is its first census period. Experts predicting growth around the region put Smith's share at around 700. I've long been critical of such projections because they were based to historic growth trends. Growth in any given area will depend on residential unit availability - existing homes on the market (including foreclosures), new homes and apartments.

Too, we have to take into account fuel prices. Many economists now believe that gas prices around $3.50 begin to hurt suburban commuters and home sales.