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02-12-1996 Joint MeetingJOINT MEETING DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TASK FORCE FEBRUARY 12, 1996 The City of Smyrna Mayor and Council, Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Development Authority Task Force met jointly to discuss plans for development of the residential portion of Phase II of our downtown redevelopment. Present was Mayor A. Max Bacon, Councilman Pete Wood, Councilman Bill Scoggins, Councilwoman Charlene Capilouto, Councilman Ron Newcomb, Councilman Jack Cramer, Councilman Wade Lnenicka, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, City Clerk Melinda Dameron and City Administrator Bob Thomson. Representing the Downtown Development Authority was Willouise Spivey, Jim Pitts, C. J. Fouts, Hubert Black, Doug Stoner and Jimmy Wilson. Representing the Downtown Development Task Force was Charyn Darby, Don Porch, Larry Freeman, Mark Curtis, R. T. Pinyan, John Hearst, Murray Glass, Nancy Hancock, Margie Arbon, Scott Worthy, Elsie Rape, Pinky Gilbert, Wayne Waddell, Peter Stelling, Bill Mider, Charlotte Griffin and Eric Cash. Also present was Mike Sizemore, Gordon Mortin, Barry Teague, David Knight, Keith Davidson and Jim Williamson with the Cobb Chronicle. Mayor Bacon opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by introducing newly elected council member Charlene Capilouto and the newly appointed members to the DDA Task Force. Mayor Bacon reported construction of the Municipal Services building is underway and should be open in September 1996. Stan Thomas has had some difficulty with his retail development because of the inflated construction cost due to the 1996 Olympics. The master plan for downtown was reviewed and everyone reminded that the DDA and DDA Task Force had originally voted on town homes for the residential area. However, there are two optional plans for consideration tonight by Knight -Davidson Developers. Barry Teague had originally planned to develop the townhomes but one of the problems that he encountered with that style of development is our inability to acquire two parcels on Bank Street; one at the corner of Bank and Hamby and the other parcel just east of there owned by Mrs. Jerome. David Knight was called on to present the alternate plans. Mr. Knight said the first plan is to develop 29 single family detached 2 1/2 story homes. This is a 3.2 acre site that would yield 9.1 units per acre. Homes would be 1300 to 1500 square feet. Garages would be provided for one vehicle with additional space in the rear for an additional car. This plan would utilize all of the land originally designated for homes, plus the corner lot at King and Bank Streets which is shown as commercial use on the master plan. One suggestion by Mike Sizemore was that this corner be a blended use of commercial and residential wrapping the corner, with retail shops downstairs and homes upstairs. The building could be designed so that the retail shops are entered from the main street with the upstairs housing entered from the back side. Although the living quarters would be upstairs, because of the topography their entrance from the back of the building would be their first floor. Concern was expressed by several members that 2 1/2 story homes would not be suitable for elderly citizens and the garages and pavement on the front will not allow an aesthetically pleasing streetscape. Mr. Knight said if this plan was approved tonight he could commence construction in June. Mayor Bacon said that regulation might also pose a problem in a mixed use with one person owning both the upstairs and downstairs and it would be difficult to control use of the property if the owner decided to rent to another party. Gordon Mortin advised that the same person would not necessarily be required to own the upstairs and downstairs portion of the building. The second option presented by Mr. Knight was to reduce the density of the single family homes to approximately 14 units which would also include the mixed use of residential and commercial at the corner of King and Bank Street. This plan would provide significantly more landscape on the front of the lots and all parking and pavement would be in the rear. Following lengthy discussion, the DDA and DDA Task Force members voted unanimously to proceed with the second option presented by Mr. Knight which would reduce the density. Also, that construction start on the site behind the Library and that the corner lot at King and Bank Streets be reserved at this time until a decision can be made regarding the proposed mixed use. Mayor Bacon said a meeting will be called at a later date and meanwhile, Mr. Knight will proceed with more specific plans to be presented at that time. With no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.