ALPHARETTA, GA — The Alpharetta City Council narrowly approved a $15 billion redevelopment plan for North Point Mall following hours of public debate that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The council approved the plan in a 4-3 vote after a five-and-a-half-hour meeting. The proposed Battery-style development includes nearly 1,300 apartments, parks and office space.
The project, however, is dependent on Alpharetta securing a new NHL franchise that would play in a proposed arena at the site. If the NHL does not select Alpharetta, the full proposal will not move forward.
“When we walk out of here, I want to be confident that what we’ve approved is going to happen,” the Alpharetta mayor said.
Developer Jamestown is set to work on the project. The group is also known in metro Atlanta for the development of Ponce City Market and Alpharetta’s Avalon.
Julie Sellers, who represents the developer, said the project would provide new amenities for the city.
“Public amenities that don’t currently exist in the city; we don’t currently have a place in this city for large graduations, or ballet recitals, performing arts, opera, symphonies,” Sellers said.
The development is expected to generate $30 million a year in taxes.
Mayor Pro Tem Dan Markel supported the proposal, calling it an opportunity for Alpharetta.
“This is an opportunity that cities all over the country would die for,” Markel said.
Council member Douglas DeRito opposed the plan.
“I think this proposal is an overreach being cloaked as progress,” DeRito said.
Resident Davis Myers told the council that North Point Mall has been part of his life for years.
“My first date was at the mall, I grew up and went to high school here,” Myers said.
Myers said he supports the redevelopment.
“And this is at a point now I think for the city of Alpharetta to really do something that’s incredible,” he said.
Another proposed development several miles north along Georgia 400 in Forsyth County is also seeking an NHL franchise. The $2 billion Gathering at South Forsyth proposal includes plans for an arena and must secure an NHL team to receive support from taxpayer dollars.
The NHL has said it has no plans for a league expansion.
