§ 2. METHODOLOGY

The development of Meriwether County's Future Land Use Plan has entailed the consideration of a number of factors. Such factors include: (1) existing land use patterns and trends; (2) existing development problems; (3) existing and proposed transportation facilities; (4) existing and proposed public areas and community facilities; (5) existing and anticipated economic activity; (6) existing and anticipated housing composition; and (7) existing and anticipated population levels, composition, and distribution. CFAPDC has completed this suggested future land use plan which incorporates all of the observations noted. The existing land use survey map served as a base or beginning point prior to developing the plan.

One very important factor which was considered was present traffic volumes and patterns and how they have changed during the past five to ten years. Development in other counties adjacent to Meriwether was considered. The impact of the expansion of the Atlanta metropolitan area was heavily weighted.

The impact of the expanding Atlanta metropolitan area was considered in every aspect of the development of the plan. As noted in the attachment, the growth of Atlanta coupled with the continued traffic increase along Interstate 85 is viewed to be a primary catalyst for the future growth of Meriwether County. The selection of particular sections of the county for certain types of uses was derived by an analysis of past trends, current patterns of development, and what is ideally the best use of Meriwether's land, based on economic and social forecasts.