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City Center waits on economy
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The economy did the City Center project in — at least for the next year or two — and that isn't welcome news for downtown merchants who already are struggling in the midst of a recession.
The project was announced dead June 23. Alpharetta's mayor and several councilmen don't expect to revive the downtown development for at least another year — and even that depends on a uptick in the economy.
Most economic forecasts don't predict recovery until 2011, which could postpone the project for another year. But optimism still looms.
"I would hope that this next year at some point we start talking about [City Center] if the economy starts showing a little improvement," said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas.
The land the Solomon Group would have bought from the city was cited as a problem for the project, but Letchas said timing sounded the death knell. Economic conditions were much different in March 2008, when council first acted on the project.
Councilman D.C. Aiken believes City Center will be back on the agenda fairly soon.
"Given the people that are really pushing it hard, I wouldn't be surprised to see it within the next 12 months," said Aiken. "I believe the economy is certainly going to be a question."
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The project was to be a boon for existing business. But even without it the strong will survive in downtown Alpharetta, said Kathi An Kessler, owner of The Galerié in downtown Alpharetta and a member of the city's Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association.
"I think initially, on the surface, it's going to drastically hurt us, because I think a lot of businesses and property owners were counting on it," she said. "We have a lot of empty spaces here. I think there's going to be more in the next couple of months."
The long-running Nantucket sandwich shop was closing this week, she said.
On the positive side, Kessler said City Center's stall gives Alpharetta the opportunity to focus on existing businesses.
"I will do what I can to keep a positive spin on it with my clients and my neighbors," Kessler said.
Alpharetta does what it can to help businesses, Letchas said.
"I want to see buildings, businesses that are occupied, not vacant. I don't want to drive them out of Alpharetta," he said.
Last week he attended three ribbon cuttings, more than he can remember in good times.
"Even though there are bad times out there, Alpharetta is a very blessed community," Letchas said.
Councilman David Belle Isle, who took the lead on council with this project, said the city's zoning calendar will serve as an alarm clock for when the time is right for City Center.
The number of zoning applications has fallen off tremendously in the last eight or nine months, he said. As people start purchasing existing buildings and renovating them — things that are healthy for the economy — City Center can be reconsidered.
Aiken said the economic downturn gives the city a great opportunity to look at its options.
A new city hall, part of the City Center project proposal, could be in an office building, Aiken said.
"I'm not one of those guys who thinks city hall has to be in a grandiose building," he said. "I think there's more important things, like our roads, jobs here at home."
Whatever the ultimate outcome, a very different City Council could be making any future City Center decisions. Three council seats are up for election in November, and one is certain to change, as Jim Paine has reached his term limits.
If Belle Isle continues in his quest for a state Senate seat, he'll have to resign from council in May 2010. That could mean up to four new elected officials.
"There will be a couple of new faces on the council, and I would like for us all to agree if we go down that road," Letchas said. Downtown park has a future
Mayor Arthur Letchas said even with the City Center project postponed, some minor improvements to the property intended as a mini-park could be made. The latest plans for City Center-designated land at the corner of Haynes Bridge Road and Academy Street include a small, passive park area.
"I hope we put some money toward it in this next year," Letchas said. "We're basically just cutting the grass and keeping it up now."
Letchas currently has in mind benches or picnic tables.
"It won't be the ultimate thing we have in mind, but maybe it will be usable," he said.
Tags: Alpharetta, Alpharetta City Council
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