Mayor Announces New Developer Stepping In to Buy Roberts Property

In a surprise announcement at the Special Called City Council meeting Wednesday (Feb. 27) night, Mayor Mike Mason said that a new buyer had stepped in and put a contract on the tract of land across from the Forum.

Peachtree Corners city leaders had decided earlier to purchase the 20.6-acre tract known as the Roberts Property to keep the property from being developed into a 250+ apartment complex. But with a contract from a private buyer now in place, that will no longer be necessary.

The new developer's plans for the site is for a mixed-use development and will be in keeping with the architecture of The Forum across the street said Mayor Mike Mason.

"We were surprised and pleased a market alternative presented itself," said Mason. "The city's objective was to stop apartment development on a key location that we believed should have commercial or mixed use zoning."

As a precaution the City Council last night approved a backup contract for the purchase of the property.

"As a safeguard, we put in the back up offer so that if this prospective buyer fails to close, we will be in a position to step into their shoes," the mayor said.

The City Council moved into executive session shortly after calling the meeting to order and returned with the news.

"The city worked long and hard for an alternative solution before deciding to buy the property as a last ditch effort," said the mayor. "This action by the prospective purchaser certainly meets our original objective and confirms our instinct about this site."

Details of the contract were not available other than the new developer is purchasing the property from Lennar (the current owner) for the same price that the city had negotiated.

Citizens who want to provide input on the development should plan on attending the next public meeting of the 2033 Comprehensive Plan scheduled for April 24. Visit the city's website for additional information on the Comprehensive Plan.

Also, take the online survey (you will not need to add any personal information). The answers you provide will be used by Pond and Company to collect data for the city's Comprehensive Plan.

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