Ledger-Enquirer
COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY'S HOME PAGE
June 13, 2006
Midtown holds public forums
Group focusing on area around library
BY CHUCK WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Midtown Inc., has turned its focus to the property surrounding the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road.
Monday night during a public forum at Columbus High School conducted by the nonprofit organization, most of the talk was about what to do with the land surrounding the new library.
"Part of the overall revitalization plans depends on something good happening at the library," said Teresa Tomlinson, executive director of Midtown Inc., which is charged with helping revitalize a 6-square mile area bisected by Wynnton/Macon Road.
The Muscogee County School Board has asked Midtown Inc. to facilitate discussions about how best to develop the property surrounding the $50 million dollar library, which opened early last year.
There are three plans up for discussion. The plans call for:
The area under discussion consists of four tracts:
Scott Boyce is a commercial real estate appraiser who lives in the Midtown neighborhood of Overlook.
"Retail has struggled in that area," Boyce said. "Sears left. Toys'R' Us left. The mall left. Pier 1 left. Other retail has shifted. In my opinion, retail has voted itself out of that area."
So what does Boyce see surviving and possibly thriving in the Midtown area?
"Some type of mixed-use area would be a start," he said. "I can see residential with a park or parks. I would like to see the school board building or YMCA or an amphitheater."
More than 150 people turned out to discuss revitalization plans.
Architect Ed Burdeshaw, a MidTown Inc. board member, said he was encouraged by the turnout and participation in seven small focus groups.
"Any plan needs public support to be successful," Burdeshaw said, "and public support needs public input."