Mayor Calls for Time Out on Town Center Project

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by the City of Peachtree Corners.

After hearing from residents at several community meetings throughout the city, Mayor Mike Mason has called for a time out to reflect upon the comments received and correct some misunderstandings about the Town Center Project.

The Mayor acknowledged that a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article combined with the timing of a private development project has led to some confusion about the construction currently underway across from the Forum.  

"When that article was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it gave the impression that the city council is considering a 354-unit apartment complex on the site across from The Forum,” Mayor Mike Mason said. 

"That is simply inaccurate. And then the misinformation took on a life of its own when work started on a privately owned four-acre site next to the city land. That led some residents to think that the undesirable development was already under construction.”  

The mayor also expressed concern that some citizens felt that they weren’t being heard on this important project.  “We formed this City to have the flexibility to do what is needed. We’re now going to exercise that flexibility by taking the time to do this right,” Mason said.  

Mayor Mason outlined several key points he wants citizens to know:

• We will pause and make sure we all know the facts, before moving forward.

• No site plan has been submitted yet for the City owned property; when it is, we will advertise and ask for community input.

• The City still owns and controls just over 20 of the approximately 38 acres across from the Forum. The other 18 acres are privately owned;

• The Council does not support a 354-unit apartment complex on the city-owned property.

To those who oppose any apartments being built on the property, Mayor Mason points out that if the city had not purchased the land, a 250 plus unit apartment complex would now be nearing completion.  

"It points out the value of having a City. We stopped a 20.6 acre apartment complex in the heart of our City and now have a wonderful opportunity to create a truly amazing Town Center instead.  

"What we need now is the community’s patience and trust.  The council and I live here too, and only want what is best for Peachtree Corners.  This must be something we are all proud of today, and our kids and grandkids will be proud of in the future.”