What are your impressions, thoughts, concerns or suggestions regarding the proposed site plan and uses submitted by North American Properties for the Avalon Development at the northwest corner of GA-400 and Old Milton Parkway?

This is okay for a starting point, but there are some big changes that need to be made before I can support it.

I think it's great that the dilapidated half finished parking deck will finally be gone.
However based on the current site plan. I think there are too many proposed apartment buildings. Alpharetta already has too many existing apartment buildings, and I always see signs outside the existing ones looking for renters.
I think a 14 story building would change the look of Alpharetta as a whole. Currently there are no high buildings anywhere in Alpharetta or the immediate surrounding areas. I think something that is 14 stories would stick out like a sore thumb.
I do agree with the other posts that there should be some thought given to green space so there is not such an industrial look and feel.
I think the retail stores facades should have more of a small town store look(ie: somes of the stores in the crabapple section) rather than a strip mall look.

I feel that this proposal is wrong for Alpharetta. Let me tell you why.

I still can't get past the fact that there are numerous smaller retail developments throughout Alpharetta sitting 100% empty, yet Alpharetta is seriously considering adding more, and on a major scale. Just because it's "upscale" doesn't mean it won't become an another empty eyesore. This does not reflect favorably on Alpharetta's wisdom in how to grow and develop the region. As a city, we need to decide whether we are going to keep the "family neighborhood" environment or change our branding and lifestyle in an effort to attract singles and renters. Does every inch of the city need to be developed into some sort of housing or retail space? There is a lot to be said for "green space" just for the sake of green space. It doesn't have to be a park or have something sitting on it or covered in asphalt. I can envision a boutique hotel with restaurants and higher end retail stores on a much smaller scale on this spot with definitely deck or underground parking. PLEASE -- no more rental units of any kind, and no more movie theaters. How about a dinner club -- fine dining and dancing, like the "old days"?

This is okay for a starting point, but there are some big changes that need to be made before I can support it.

Things that I'd say MUST be changed:

- Change the apartments to condos
- Lower the 14 story building to 8 stories

Things that MUST be true to accept any plan:

- Make sure the architechure is upscale

Things I'd suggest:

- Eliminate vehicle access through the center east-west corridor (between the buildings) so people will want to walk around that area. That's what would differentiate you from the Avenues.

This is okay for a starting point, but there are some big changes that need to be made before I can support it.

I think it was a bad idea to show this plan with just this one image. It feels like a giant parking lot but I don't think that is what it will actually end up being (I hope). It's hard to envision the true look and feel of the area without some street level renderings.

This area needs to be very upscale and include as much green space as is practical in such a development.

I am glad to see this area in the hands of what is by all accounts a very reputable developer and I look forward to seeing a more detailed picture of what this area will become. Thank you for soliciting input into your project.

I feel that this proposal is wrong for Alpharetta. Let me tell you why.

Pro's - it deals with a huge uncomplete project.
There are development ideas that would be more effective near down town- (retail walking.drive)
Like is a plus for pulling growth in south Forsyth/400 (exit 13)but it is already started and and less $ for leasing.

Negatives- just a proportionally smaller Prospect Park
lots of parking area space vs use of prime land
The similar retail and commercial developments at North Point near Best Buy after 2 years is still 100% vacant
This likely only is development that just moves retailers one on site to a new one.

Just fills a big space with poor urban design. Trying to be a Atlantic Station which is poorly executed.

This space would be an awesome local/national/international Soccer/Sports complex + area for fitness centers. With a athletic centered hotel + sports physicians + sports retail + walking/bikng paths + good access from GA400 for visitors- just think of the possibilities. Develop Not just another shopping center but real community pluses.

I like the plan as presented and believe it will be a great addition to the community.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, we very much appreciate all of the public input being offered relative to our Avalon proposal. Please be sure to come to the first informational meeting on Feb 13 at City Hall at 7pm, where we will share details of our project and solicit public comment.

Thank you,
Mark Toro
Managing Partner
North American Properties

I feel that this proposal is wrong for Alpharetta. Let me tell you why.

This looks like they couldn't decide what they wanted so they put in a little of everything.

The residential piece along Westside looks like an afterthought and doesn't fit next to a shopping area. It looks like it is going to be more cookie cutter multi-family housing like we already have along Webb Bridge and the Deerfield area. Stop already. We have enough of that. Cut out the residential altogether. No more townhomes, condos, or apartments.

We do not need a 14-story tower in Alpharetta. We want to see tree-tops, not something akin to the king/queen buildings near Perimeter. Please limit the buildings to no more than 5-6 stories.

Agree with another poster regarding the theatre. That seems to attract the wrong crowd and we already have plenty of that at NorthPoint. Plus new cinemas are supposed to be going in the mall.

Add some curves, more green space, some curves, a nice water feature, and some curves! Make it pretty like Crabapple, not the typical no-character stuff that sits just off the expressway.

I have real concerns as to whether we can fill all the commercial and retail we are planning everywhere. We have vacancies galore, just passed a huge bond referendum for more retail just down the street. Can we really fill all that up in this economy? Or are we going for the Chinese ghost town effect? Vacancies hurt our property values and invite criminal activity.

This is okay for a starting point, but there are some big changes that need to be made before I can support it.

Ditch the rental housing and the town homes if attached; No sufficient green space; Seems to be a project done on the cheap from that originally envisioned.If it cannot be built with the vision of what Alpharetta wants to look like( liveable community with sufficient green space), do not build it.

I feel that this proposal is wrong for Alpharetta. Let me tell you why.

This looks like one big parking lot. I would like to see an underground parking deck. There is a lack of green space. I wouldn't say Alpharetta needs another park in that area especially since the new Downtown area will have one, but trees, bike path and pedestrian walkways would be nice. Maybe a nice fountain or round-about, give something to please the eye. I don't see any trees in the plan! I am not a fan of the office over retail. I believe that most of this will stay vacant and remain an eyesore, just as it is now.

This is okay for a starting point, but there are some big changes that need to be made before I can support it.

Don't be afraid to go vertical with some of these buildings. You've got all these parking lots and spread out suburban sprawl type stuff, it looks lame and not like the future of Alpharetta. Put in more green space, a public commons, some type of park in the middle, make it attractive to people who want to WALK, not drive. If you want to have the same amount of retail and apartment space, don't be afraid to build a high rise— honestly, if we had one high rise on Haynes Bridge Road it would look better than the 30 mid-rises surrounded in a sea of parking lots that is already there. Build up, and use the space left over to make it walkable and covered in trees. You want business? Make it a destination, not another suburban shopping plaza that will be blight in 20 years.