ALDI supermarket to open on Feb 1

A new ALDI will open on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 1699 Scott Blvd. This is the grocer mentioned in our Fuqua III development post from 2 years ago. Store hours will be 9am - 8pm daily.

The store boasts the highest level of green construction per EPA standards, roof-mounted solar panels and an "environmentally sustainable refrigeration system" (meaning, more environmentally friendly coolants). ALDI features its own lines of products that include produce, USDA meats, organic and gluten-free products, home goods, wine, beer, and baby products. The store will accept credit cards as well as contactless payment (Apple Pay, Android Pay, etc.). Additionally, this Aldi store will be part of a pilot program offering one-hour Instacart deliveries.

ALDI's opening creates a walkable grocery store trifecta for our neighborhood: a Sprouts is steps away and Walmart is just across North Decatur Road. But wait, there's still more: a 365 by Whole Foods store is on track to open nearby later this year at the corner of Church and North Decatur Roads.

h/t Decaturish's writeup: http://www.decaturish.com/2018/01/decatur-aldi-opening-feb-1-will-be-metro-atlantas-greenest-store/

UPDATE: According to the AJC, on opening day: "To celebrate the opening there’s a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:25 a.m. The first 100 customers will receive a golden ticket, each containing ALDI gift cards of various amounts, the company said."

Closer to crossing

Blackmon Drive (Medlock neighborhood, Scott Blvd. intersection) is not yet closed to inbound traffic... but we are almost there.

A red circle marks the spot in this composite view
of new/redeveloped/soon-to-be-redeveloped commercial spaces near the Medlock neighborhood.

Traffic and crossing lights are now installed, if not yet operational. Soon, pedestrians and cyclists will have a safer access point to/from "Decatur Crossing"--Fuqua's development at the former site of the Scott Blvd. Baptist Church and nearby lots.

As seen from your bike  as you approach the Blackmon/Scott Blvd. intersection. Click to enlarge.

Soon--you!, with your parcels, your full belly, getting ready to hit the crossing light and head on home.

Sprouts has been open for about a month now and seems to be drawing good crowds.

Behind Sprouts, on the Scott Blvd. side, a Zoe's Kitchen and The Joint Chiropractic are well on their way.

Across from Sprouts, North Decatur Rd. side, there will be a First Watch (a breakfast/lunch restaurant, see article about it here, opens April 10) and a Banfield Pet Hospital.

Visible to the right is part of a Point on Scott apartment building.

Blackmon Drive to become right-out only at Scott Blvd.

March 20, ~4pm: road closed for sign installation.  

Work has begun to make Blackmon Dr. a right-out only turn at Scott Blvd. This means that

• there will be no access to Blackmon Dr. and the Medlock neighborhood from Scott Blvd. except for emergency vehicles, and
• there will be a new crossing light to facilitate pedestrian access between the neighborhood and the new developments at Decatur Crossings.

We are not sure when work will be completed. The installation of the crossing light started today (March 20) and likely will take several days. It would be best to avoid the intersection and be extra-aware of traffic in the general vicinity over the next few days, as there is bound to be some confusion.
UPDATE: Fuqua Development has informed us that the project should take ~10 days to complete, and paving should be completed by Friday. There will be a 20-day "flashing burn-in" period (to alert drivers to the changes) but the intersection will be operational during that period.

As discussed in this July 2015 post that summarized negotiations with Fuqua Development, this change in traffic pattern was negotiated "to eliminate right turns into the neighborhood from west-bound traffic during the morning rush hour as well as greatly reduce afternoon traffic using Blackmon to exit the neighborhood."

Blackmon Drive is a narrow and curving road that has been handling unsafe levels of traffic for quite some time. Reducing traffic and adding a crossing light should create a safer access point for pedestrians and cyclists in the area (relative to braving the 6-way intersection at Medlock Rd./Scott Blvd./N. Decatur Rd., that is).

We are not exactly sure what the finished product will look like, but it should function as outlined in the image below.

New traffic patterns at the Blackmon and Scott Blvd intersection. Click to enlarge.

Below, the new crosswalk seen in the context of new, nearby commercial and residential (re)developments.

Retaining wall bumped back

via Theresa Same, MANA Zoning Chair

The Point at Decatur Crossing (Fuqua’s Phase 1 apartment building) has now taken shape at the corner where Scott Boulevard Baptist used to sit. It is clear that the height is going to take some getting used to for many neighbors.

Via Google Maps Street View: Inset shows the old Scott Blvd. Baptist Church circa 2014;
to the right, Fuqua's development as of May 2016.

Several months ago, it came to our attention that due to the topography and a planning department oversight, we have ended up with the building elevated and a tall retaining wall at the point at North Decatur and Scott Boulevard. This was not the intention of conditions/agreement we negotiated with Fuqua Development.  

The Dekalb Cross-Neighborhoods Council (DCNC) has worked with Northwood Ravin (developer that purchased this property) and Commissioner Rader to come up with a solution that will stay true to the original intention to create a plaza area at the corner. The wall has been moved back closer to the building to allow a larger pedestrian zone at the Scott Blvd and North Decatur Rd. corner, as negotiated.

When there is not a lot of room to work with, every inch counts to keep pedestrians safe. Click to enlarge.

To the left, a rendering of the building as shared by the developer in Fall 2015. To the right, the building as it stands today.

The renderings below are what has been agreed upon to remediate and break up the bulk of the tall wall. Click on the images to enlarge them.

As a result of this oversight, the DCNC has been very careful in negotiating conditions and agreements on other projects to make sure that the intent is very clear and can not be misinterpreted.

Phase III of "Decatur Crossing": negotiation summary

via Theresa Same, MANA Zoning Chair

Fuqua Phase III -- approved plan. Click this and other images to enlarge them.

On May 19, 2016, the Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved Fuqua Development’s “Decatur Crossing” Phase III to redevelop the 9.2-acre, abandoned Ford dealership (which primarily fronts Scott Boulevard with a small frontage on Church Street) into a mixed-use development.  The plan was presented to the Community in January and is outlined here. Following the community meeting, the DeKalb Cross Neighborhoods Council (DCNC)* compiled and considered all feedback received from the community and provided that feedback to Fuqua Development. This feedback was the basis of our negotiations which took place over several months. The BOC voted in favor of the rezoning request with 34 conditions negotiated by the DCNC. These conditions will become part of the permanent zoning for the property.

In addition to the conditions, the DCNC also negotiated a separate, legally binding zoning agreement which includes $60,000 in funding for off site improvements. Combined with earlier contributions from Phases I and II, this amount will be enough to complete pedestrian improvements at the 6-way intersection, sidewalks on Scott Boulevard (between Willow Lane and Medlock Road) and a short multi-use sidewalk on N. Decatur Road (between Fuqua Phase II and Church Street – in front of Church’s Chicken).  It also includes safety improvements along Scott Boulevard at the Tuxworth Springs Condominiums entrance/exit. The legally binding agreement was signed by MANA with the support of the entire DCNC. 

Fuqua III includes senior apartments, a grocery store, a "chicken-themed" restaurant, multi-family apartments, and a storage facility.

The site plan includes a “specialty grocery store,” a senior housing development (minimum of 90 units), a “chicken themed” restaurant with a drive-thru, a multi-family apartment building (maximum of 262 units) and a storage facility. Fifteen percent of the apartments will be reserved as workforce housing** as negotiated in our contract. The development also includes tree-lined 10-foot-wide multi-use sidewalks around the entire perimeter to match the earlier phases, 6-foot sidewalks on the interior of the development as well as a minimum of 16,300 square feet of park space. We also negotiated a bike lane on the small emergency access road that runs between Scott Boulevard and Church Street. 

Elevations for grocery store (seen from Scott Blvd.)

Elevations for "chicken-themed restaurant with drive-through"

Elevations for apartment complex. 

Storage facility.

Storage facility

Senior living complex by Columbia Residential. For an earlier color version of this rendering *that does not include newly negotiated improvements such as balconies*, click here. 

The DCNC is particularly excited about the senior housing component which will be built and managed by Columbia Residential.  The DCNC hosted a community meeting with Columbia Residential in April to provide information and answer questions from the community. The Medline Study identified senior housing as a priority for our area. The DCNC has been asking Fuqua Development to include this component since Phase I. Now that the rezoning is complete, Columbia Residential will go through the arduous process of applying for funding.  They believe their application will rate very high and are confident that they will be awarded the low income tax credits needed to complete this project.  Because we believe in this project, the DCNC negotiated conditions allowing Columbia two full application cycles to secure funding. We were able to work with Columbia to add more amenities for their residents, such as balconies and stoops to the building. This is a testament to how a collaborative process, bringing together multiple parties, improves the redevelopment process (see these messages from the developer and from Davis Fox at Commissioner Gannon's office).

None of the retailers have been announced yet. 

--------------------

* Dekalb Cross-Neighborhood Council for this project includes the following neighborhood representatives: Garrett Assay, Ridgeland Park; Jean Logan (Tuxworth Springs Condominiums); Elizabeth Roberts (Valley Brook Civic Association); Theresa Same (Medlock Area Neighborhood Association, Inc.); Mary Shellman (Good Growth Dekalb, Inc.); Jim Smith (Clairmont Heights Civic Association). Fuqua is represented by Jeff Fuqua (Principal, Fuqua Development), Heather Correa (Partner, Fuqua Development), Bill Aiken (Project Manager, Fuqua Development) and Dennis Webb (Attorney, Smith, Gambrell and Russell).

** Workforce housing as defined by the Urban Land Institute was used for this agreement.  The intention is people working in such professions as teachers, nurse, fire fighters could afford to rent these apartments.

Community Meeting: Info on Columbia Senior Housing proposed (Fuqua Phase III, Scott Blvd)

Representatives from Columbia Residential met with the community to discuss their proposed development on Scott Blvd on April 14, 2016. ~20 people attended the meeting. This project would be part of Fuqua's Phase III.  Bill Aiken, representing Fuqua Development, was also present.

The senior housing building would sit within the development. The frontage on Scott Blvd. would be occupied by retail and the senior development would be located behind these businesses and serviced by a private street (open to the public but private in the sense it is not a state or county road). Greenspace is being planned adjacent to the development (see below).

The senior residential structure is highlighted in yellow. Greenspace is designated to its right.

Jim Grauley (President and COO)  and Joseph Evans (Project Manager) discussed the development in the context of other similar projects. Columbia Residential was founded in 1991 and is the most active senior development company in Georgia. They have developed over 50 communities in Georgia, Texas and Louisiana (see their website for more information on those). They build the facility, then continue to manage it. A slide show highlighted some of Columbia projects in Georgia and elsewhere ( download pdf).

The company focuses on the senior market, where they see very strong demand. Columbia uses a funding model that allows them to develop communities with multiple price points. That means that while some units are rented "at market" (same monthly rate as any other similar unit in the area would garner), many others are reserved for individuals whose verified income meets the subsidized rate. Columbia Senior Residences at Edgewood  and Columbia Residences at Forrest Hills were offered as examples of nearby facilities developed under this model.

The proposed development would be for seniors aged 62 and over and would offer 90 1-bedroom units, approximately 700 sq ft in size. Columbia would offer annual leases and residents can stay as long as desired and as long as they are capable of safely residing independently. This is not an assisted living facility, but is designed with senior need in mind, offering amenities that seniors want (exercise facilities, common areas, etc.). The property management also reaches out to local organizations that serve seniors to better utilize existing services (that may mean bringing those services to the property, or bringing residents to those activities elsewhere).

Our area is considered a prime location for a development like this: demand is high, the area is served by public transport, and there are shopping opportunities nearby as well as medical providers.

Financing model:  Columbia Residential is currently working on securing funding for this project. The subsidized part of the development depends on securing low income tax credits. Columbia will present a proposal to our state government. If awarded, these tax credits can be sold to companies who have large tax burdens. The resulting payments create the financing necessary to build the development. This model creates a multi-decade commitment: there is a 15-year period where the initial tax credit commitment is liquidated by those who purchased the tax credits, then another 15 year period. They would have a 20-year affordability commitment with DeKalb County that fits within the above 30-year plan. At the end of that ~30-year period, Columbia would be free to redevelop the property (outside the senior housing model); however, their model is to retain ownership and reinvest.

Columbia representatives believe this project to be very competitive.

Questions from the audience:

Q: How are tenants qualified?
A: There would be 3 levels:
- market rate: no restrictions in income. The monthly rate is what is typical for the area.
- subsidized: 15% of units would fall under this category
- most units would be rented at the "tax credit rate"-- these are for renters who have very limited income and would have to verify their income falls within the 50-60% median level for this area.

These income levels  are determined by the Housing and Urban Development department of the federal government.

Screening is based on credit history, income check, housing inspection and background checks.  If a resident's income changes, they would not be asked to leave, but their rent would need to be recalculated.

Q: Size of units? Parking?
A: The units will be ~700 sq ft. There will be a 4,000 sq ft facility for amenities and leasing. There will be 45 parking slots in a parking facility that is underground and barely visible from the street. An additional 13 parking slots are available around the building.
Q: Is that enough parking?
A: Yes. Many residents will not have cars. This ratio of resident to parking spot seems to work very well for areas where public transit is available. Columbia is very constrained by the size of the parcel. There would be elevators at both ends of the building.

Q: What is the income level for eligibility to subsidized rent?
A: Per HUD tables for our area, income for 1 person is ~$30K. 60% of that would mean eligibility is set for an annual income of ~$20K/yr.
Q: Are there asset restrictions?
A: Yes, this is factored into the income review. If anyone is over the allowed level, they would have to pay the market rate.

They are only able to offer 1-bedroom units to maximize the number of units. DeKalb County wanted them to build more.

Q: Will there be balconies?
A: They are working on zoning, their application would be due in June. If they are successful, they will have that information by the end of the year, at which point they would develop the full design for the building.

Q: What is the recapitalization process?
There is an initial 15 year period of compliance then another additional 15 years, meaning, the facility would be available for at least 30 years. Investors usually exit at the 15 year mark but because the facilities are well maintained, Columbia usually refinances remaining debt and refreshes the site and makes capital improvements.

Q: What services are available for residents?Activities? Health care?
A: The property manager (staff member) serves as liaison or facilitator to better utilize resources available at local hospitals, county senior centers, etc.

They would try to incorporate a bus or shuttle stop to make public transportation more accessible.

Q: What happens when residents need more help?
A:  Yes, this is very difficult. Through their experience with previous developments, they are getting better at identifying when people need help and getting the resident's family involved in the discussion. They have also learned about designing for more accessibility and  serving the needs of those who may be vision or hearing-impaired. Sometimes, residents are reticent to move because they won't get the value they receive at Columbia if they move elsewhere (different kind of facility).

Q: How about scooters, motorized vehicles? Crossing busy roads? Have you considered walkways to connect to nearby amenities?
A: This is an ongoing issue for the area. They are in discussions with Fuqua and the county to improve crossings: longer lights, audible signaling?

T. Same (MANA zoning chair) added that the North DeKalb Cross-Neighborhoods Committee has worked very hard to add wide (8-10 foot) sidewalks around this development. When negotiating with developers, the Committee emphasizes articulating commitments to the County to develop sidewalks. Sidewalks throughout all phases of Fuqua's development will provide internal connectivity.

Mr. Grauley added that crossings will be very obvious in the development's private roads.

Q: Greenspace?
A: There is greenspace set aside in the Fuqua development* and Columbia has been working to adjust their building positioning to increase the park's size. Columbia would be responsible for maintaining landscaping around its building as well as maintaining this park's greenspace. The park will be open to the public.

Q: 700 sq ft seems very small. Do the layouts take accessibility into consideration?
A: Most units are similar in size to 1-bedroom units in the area.  The key dimensions they consider is the interior distance to hallway: 30 feet allows for a full-size kitchen and small table. Turn radius allows for accessibility and units are ADA compliant. 10 units will have full access "roll-in showers." Square footage is constrained by cost and the # units needed to make the development viable.

Mr. Grauley also said there would be a hospitality suite for guests and family members, with no kitchen, that is available for guests to reserve. The unit would be furnished, includes a full-size bath,  and would be maintained by Columbia Residential. This  unit would be available free of charge.

They anticipate the units will be built to either LEED or EarthCraft standards.

Q: Will there be on-site assistance 24-7?
A: No, but there will be a call system and pull cords (that alerts others in the building that there is an issue). Staff check on the residents but, again, this is an independent living facility.

Q: Eligibility age?
62 and over. Eligibility in this type of development can start at 55 yrs. but there is higher demand for 62+. Also, everyone in the household must be 62 and older.

Q: Washer and dryer facilities?
A: Yes, in units as well as in a common laundry area.

Q: Balconies?
A: There will be an opportunity for community input during the design phase.

Q: Is the theater room the primary gathering area?
A: It is the secondary gathering area. Separate seats allow accommodating wheelchairs. There are flexible rooms that allow for larger gatherings.

Q: What is the market rate? Lease conditions?
A: They will do 1-year leases. Income is re-certified annually. There is low turn-over. They are working on a market study right now.
For those eligible, the utility allowance allows utility costs to be subtracted from income (residents pay utilities). They expect that the one-bedroom unites would rent in the high $600 - low $700 rate.
For Forest Hills (in Decatur), the market rate is $1150. There is very high demand: for 80-90 units, they may receive 1000 applications

Q: Independent living is rarely truly independent... Annual recertification process are used to assess the resident's ability to function independently. Too many inspections can be invasive.
A: Yes. The financing requires inspections. Everyone must be treated the same way. Some people are used to the concept of inspections, others have never dealt with them and find them more invasive. Inspections also have other purposes (e.g., maintenance) but Mr. Grauley agreed they are "tricky" but they try to explain that to residents.

Q: Completion date for senior residences?
A: If all goes well... The senior residences would be the last part of Fuqua's Phase III development to be built, due to finances. By next December, Columbia will know if have been awarded funding. Design and permits would proceed on the 3rd quarter of 2017 and the development would open on the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2018.

Q: What happens if they don't get funding on this round? Would you "hold pattern" for this site?
A:  They would love to. This would be up to Fuqua. The funding is competitive based on established criteria.

_______
* [tree plantings and greenspace in Fuqua's redevelopment of this site has been a key concern for the North DeKalb Cross-Neighborhoods Council]

Community Meeting with Columbia Residential (Senior Housing) [Apr 14]

Click to enlarge.

Community Meeting with Columbia Residential April 14 at 7:00 pm at North Decatur Presbyterian Church

Columbia Residential  has been selected to develop the senior housing portion in the proposed Phase 3 of Fuqua’s development. The Dekalb Cross Neighborhoods Committee has met with Columbia Residential and received an updated rendering and site plan for their building (see below or see pdf). Due to significant interest in the proposed senior housing, the Committee has decided that to host a community meeting with Columbia Residential. Please plan to attend and learn more.

Click to enlarge.

Notes from community meeting: proposed Phase III for Fuqua's Decatur Crossing development

Phase III of Fuqua's Decatur Crossing development is being proposed for the site of the old Banner Ford lot on Scott Blvd. Redevelopments for Phase I (former site of Scott Blvd. Baptist Church) and Phase II (formerly single-family lots on Barton Way and Blackmon Drive) have been approved are under way.

Phase III, bound by yellow line, is being proposed for the site of the old Banner Ford lot on Scott Blvd.

The meeting (January 6, 2016) was led by Dan Webb, representing Fuqua Development. 80-100 people attended.

Fuqua is proposing to develop the site to include:

• senior affordable living (NOT assisted living but rather, smaller apartments for independent living; affordable per federal definition). 5 stories, 102 units proposed with podium parking (i.e., under the building vs. adjacent)
• a grocer (more traditional as compared to specialty such as the Sprouts grocer coming to Phase II)
• a restaurant with drive-through
• a multi-story, multi-family housing building with parking located at its center (therefore not visible from the street). 260 units, 5 stories proposed.
• a self-storage facility (to include storage in the upper floors and conference centers in the lower floor; the idea is that stock can be stored in the upper stories and vendors can use the lower levels to meet with clients)
• there would be 2 access points on Scott Blvd. (one existing, one new) and two on Church Street

This is part three of the Decatur Crossing complex that began with Phase I at the site of the old Scott Blvd. Baptist Church.

Details for proposed Phase II, with access from Scott Blvd. and Church St. Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

The parcel is 9.2 acres and has C2 zoning and Fuqua would be requesting a zoning change to allow for the construction of the residential buildings (senior and multi-family housing).

There were a number of questions and comments from the audience around the following concerns. Answer is from Mr. Webb unless otherwise noted.

Q: Total number of residential units in the apartment building?

   A: 260

Q: Updates on Phase I and II?

   A: as previously reported. Phase I is under development, foundation work in progress. Parking deck should be complete in April and residents should be able to move in early in 2017. Phase II--land disturbance and demolition permits secured, utilities have been removed, preparing to install land disturbance fencing and should expect 6-9 construction period.

Q: Have traffic studies been done? 

  A: No, need to work with DeKalb on these.

Q: Workforce housing?

   A: Some of this was assigned on Phase II, 20%? [note: MANA is not sure that this percentage was agreed upon]

Q: Impact on Tuxworth condo residents' ability to enter/exit? 

   A: Stop light should slow things down a bit but the left turn onto Tuxworth likely to get a bit worse.

Q: Does a drive-through really fit our vision for the area (walkability, community-building) and if a drive-through must exist, can it be a nice one like is being done for the Suburban Plaza Starbucks?
  A: Will look at it. Fuqua agreed to install a drive-through in order to get one of the small property owners to move over.

Q: Active seniors are different.  They are ACTIVE.  They need pedestrian and bike access from their building to other area amenities – like the bowling alley.

Q: What is the parking for senior facility?
  A: it will be podium parking – building at grade.

Q: A blank wall of parking will not be a pleasant walking environment.

Q: Estimated rental cost for senior and multi-family housing?

  A: Not available at this point. Fuqua will partner with residential developer.

Q: Where are the bike trails and connectivity? All I see is buildings.  There is a creek that runs under Banner Ford.  Can’t you take advantage of it? This is over-building.  Need progressive thought – be creative; put a field on top of the parking lot, make beautification and greenspace a priority.  This is an opportunity to have a development that enhances the quality of life. People are taking more responsibility for their health and wellness. We need more green space per capita given the number of residents being added? [Clapping from the audience]

  A: 1 acre park in Phase II, pocket park, sidewalks are adding connectivity within the development and out of it

Q: Square footage for apartments?

  A: Small, in the 1-2 bedroom range

Q: Need to do traffic studies now, after many people move in, it's too late. Same for greenspace. Emphasis on multimodal transport is needed.

  A: There was a traffic study for Phase II. Fuqua could add more commercial that would further increase traffic rather than residential.

Q: Phase II didn't include recommendations from previous meeting at this same location

  A: Sidewalks are being added, met with Cross-Neighborhoods Committee and incorporated much feedback

Q: What is considered affordable senior housing. Will this be HUD housing? Need in-between housing, for people who don't qualify for HUD but cannot afford the expensive senior housing

  A: federal definition. The financing sets some guidelines and so does the market. We need a number of units "affordable" in order to get the tax credit.

Q: Need a stop light for seniors to get in and out of Scott Blvd.
  A: will be right in, right out on Scott

Q: Stops for MARTA, Cliff Shuttle?

   A: yes, on Phase II

Q: Who is the developer for the senior facility?

   A: Can't say at the point

Q: Connectivity? Sidewalks on other side of Scott Blvd?

  A: The crosswalk is in place, will have pedestrian island.

  A: Acknowledgement this area is not very walkable right now. There is a very narrow, overgrown sidewalk on that side.

Q: Any chance to eliminate that drive-through restaurant concept

   A: It's this market that adds this kind of set-up. 

       Q: Then can we at least make it look good?

Q: Development with retail on bottom floor?

    A: not on Phase III. The jury is out on whether putting business under apartments is good.

Q: Can't we have something original and creative, like Ponce City Market? Add quality of life and still have options to be outdoors?

Q: There is a community within the development. Need bike lanes.
  A: will look at it

Q: Any environmental remediation needed on this site?

  A: no issues so far; none for Phase I and II.

Q: Can we just make this a 9 acre parking lot so we can drive here and park our cars and take the Clifton Corridor (train)?

Q: Concerns about the glut of apartments being built in the area (Decatur Crossing, Milscott, Church St.) when there are vacancies in nearby apartments on DeKalb Industrial

  A: Building to meet projected needs. We are still under the recommendations of the Medline Study. People don't want to live in "dinosaurs" like the apartments on DeKalb Industrial. "Folks with liquidity" want nearby amenities.

Q: This is a suburban development and not what people in Decatur want. This is not mixed use--it's 85% residential.
  A: We've heard your concerns; you were the sole opposition on Phase I and II.
  A: an audience member said he felt he's the so-called target audience and the development does not appeal ("I would never go here")as it's high on residential as compared to developments such as Ponce City Market, Krog... Edgewood is NOT the goal here.

Q: Paces and Jamestown are good progressive developers. This is suburban development here--we don't want suburban development.
  A: Town Brookhaven is very successful. I've seen lots of people walking within the development -- many successful restaurants
  A: (from audience member) There are 5 closed restaurants in Town Brookhaven right now. People don't walk to it
  A: the location doesn't have any residential so you have to drive to it.

Q: The access point on Church St. has serious elevation problems.
  A: We know.

Q: Has Fuqua considered developing incubator space for start-ups?
  A: There is office space facing N Decatur Rd in Phase II. That could be used as incubator space. Can't answer if Fuqua could subsidize. Will talk later about what exactly the questioner is talking about.

Q: Is Fuqua going to listen to any of these comments?

  A: Mr. Webb took notes and read back the issues he had annotated.

Q: Look at northeastern cities -- old trees lining streets make the cities beautiful. THey must be given space to grow -- like large oak trees. Cannot stuff a crepe myrtle into a box and call it tree-lined. Not healthy for trees.
  A: We had community feedback about types of trees to install in Phase I and II.

Q: Can you meet with the PATH foundation --they installed the beautiful path from Medlock Park to the tennis courts (Mason Mill Park). They have grants for thsi type of thing.
  A: We will meet with PATH. We will meet with the County and ARC.

Q: What now? What is your next meeting? How do we continue?
  A: MANA has done a good job serving as the mouth piece on these developments. Check the website. Fuqua will be meeting with neighborhood leaders so talk to your representatives [Cross-Neighborhoods Committee email appears below]

Additional comments and discussion:

• about the Clifton Corridor, area traffic/transportation issues. Davis Fox (from Commissioner Gannon's office) provided a brief summary about routes being considered as part of MARTA's potential expansion in this area. He wondered if Clifton Corridor would be better served by connecting to Decatur station via Church St. Also mentioned light rail down N Decatur Rd. with bike paths. This could cause people to change their route. PATH is still working to better connect to Emory and Druid Hills Rd.
• about not being short-sighted in developing the area: a desire for walkability, healthy outdoor spaces, preserving large trees and the importance of conducting studies now rather than later and trying to retrofit livability into the area
• about whether Fuqua is going to use the email addresses in the sign-up sheet to stay in touch with those in attendance
• recommendation that Fuqua contacts the PATH Foundation that built the South Peachtree Creek trail (that connects Medlock Park to Mason Mill Park), asap.

Thoughts, comments, concerns? Email them to crossneighborhoodscommittee@gmail.com 

Reminder: Fuqua Phase III meeting tonight [Jan 6]

Phases of Fuqua. Modified from GoogleMaps

Fuqua Development is gearing up for Phase III of its nearby development that began at the former site of Scott Blvd. Baptist Church (aka Phase I). Phase II involves adjacent land formerly occupied by single family homes. Phase III, in current discussion, will include the now-abandoned Ford dealership on Scott Boulevard.

Lase December, the AJC reported Phase III will feature "a mix of restaurants/retail/apartments, possibly including senior affordable housing" and that Fuqua plans to file a land use plan tomorrow, January 7.

Fuqua Development will host a community meeting at 7 p.m. on January 6, 2016 at the North Decatur United Methodist Church (1523 Church St., Decatur). MANA will attend this meeting and will report on it asap. If you are able to attend and have additional feedback following the presentation, please share it with us at medlockassoc@gmail.com.

Visualization of nearby developments. Phase I and II of Fuqua's developments are visible along the Scott Blvd. corridor. Phase III is located in the area partially covered by the legend in the above image.

See our previous posts for details on approved plans for Phase I and Phase II. Or click here for all our posts about this evolving redevelopment at the very heart of the Medline LCI study area.

The Atlanta Regional Commission's Medline LCI vision plan, as presented to the community on June, 2014.

Fuqua Phase III meeting [Jan 6]

Fuqua Development is gearing up for Phase III of its nearby development, to include the now-abandoned Ford dealership on Scott Boulevard. The AJC reports the development will feature "a mix of restaurants/retail/apartments, possibly including senior affordable housing".

Phase III site. modified from Google Maps.

The old Ford dealership, as seen from Scott Boulevard. from Google Maps

Fuqua Development will host a community meeting at 7 p.m. on January 6, 2016 at the North Decatur United Methodist Church (1523 Church St., Decatur). The AJC reports that Fuqua plans to file a land use plan the following day (January 7).

Please see our posts relating to Phase I and Phase II of Fuqua's project, or click here for all posts about this evolving redevelopment.

Sprouts announced for Decatur Crossing; Walmart opening on...

Per Atlanta's Tomorrow's News Today, and ongoing scuttlebutt!, Sprouts Farmer's Market is the "natural grocery store" at Fuqua's Phase II development on the site formerly occupied by the Scott Boulevard Baptist Church.

For information and schematics on Phase II of Fuqua's development, see http://www.medlockpark.org/2015/07/phase-ii-of-decatur-crossing.html. That post includes the composite map below that shows ongoing developments along North Decatur Road, Scott Blvd and Church Street. Sprouts is the larger structure that adjoins the public park/greenspace shown below.

from http://www.medlockpark.org/2015/07/phase-ii-of-decatur-crossing.html.

Meanwhile, the Walmart.com website predicts the store will open on November 11. We have not confirmed this information with Selig or Walmart. And the Internet is never wrong.

The Point? Renderings of "Decatur Crossings" (Scott Blvd.)

h/t to Curbed Atlanta

via Dwell Design Studio

Dwell Design Studio's website has a series of renderings of the Fuqua development at the former site of the Scott Blvd. Baptist Church. The renderings list the site as "The Point on Scott." Per Curbed Atlanta, "When both phases are complete, Decatur Crossing will feature 80,000 square feet of retail, 15,000 square feet of office space, at least 700 apartment units reportedly priced around $1.65/square foot and a one-acre park open to the public."

Click here for a pdf of multiple views.

For all our posts on the redevelopment of the former Scott Blvd. Baptist Church, click here.