COLUMBUS July 25, 2006
Ledger Enquirer
MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Forum report favors mixed use
MidTown Inc. summarizes public comment about land around library
by Harry Franklin State Editor
Nearly 40 percent of the 240 people who attended June forums to discuss how best to use the land surrounding the new Columbus Public Library favored a medium-density development that includes housing and parks.
Use of the property for park development, exclusive of commercial and residential construction, was the least supported of the three plans, with only 18.6 percent in favor.
That's the major findings in a report Monday by MidTown Dorector Teresa Tomlinson to the Muscogee County School Board. There were four forums conducted by MidTown Inc. at the request of the school board.
"The first preference at all four forums was the blue or medium development plan."
The high-density residential plan, one of three offered for consideration at the forums, was favored by about 25 percent of the participants. It called for 350-380 residential units; a 12-acre park; commercial development; walkable community; and the highest return of the school board's investment in part of the property.
DEVELOPMENT | All three plans include a citizens service for city
The properties, which border Macon and/or Rigdon roads, are owned by either the school board or the city of Columbus.
About 16 percent of the forum attendees favor none of the three conceptual plans presented or another plan altogether.
The medium-density development plan would leave 26.6 acres for park development; 250-288 residential units; an 18.5-acre park at the builder's cost; would put vacant land on the tax rolls; and provide return on school board investment. It would have no commercial development.
Tomlinson said the weighted ballot system used to determine preferences for the three plans also was evaluated by Columbus State University statisticians and a consultant who agreed that the medium-development plan was the top choice.
Those who favored using the 50+ acres for parks had many different ideas of what a park should include, said Tomlinson. Some favored a passive park with trails and trees, while others wanted baseball fields, a natatorium, tennis courts and other active-sports facilities.
All three plans included a citizens service center for the city and a Muscogee County School District administrative building.
"It sounds like a moderate view, but there are those that hold strong views that it should be only a passive park," said school board chair Mary Sue Polleys. "I hope we can reach an agreement that at least half the people can support."
Several board members didn't say how they stand on the issue of the property's use, including Polleys.
John Wells commended MidTown and Tomlinson for their work.
"When we asked MidTown to look at this, I decided I was not going to make public comment," said Wells. "I may comment when it comes to the board for discussion. I hope the board will take action."
Polleys also thanked MidTown Inc. for its work.
"We will taks all of this under advisement," Polleys said. "We will do all we can to engage the community. You certainly helped us to do that. we believe everybody had an opportunity to be heard. We certainly are not making a decision tonight and have no deadline."
THE MEDIUM-DENSITY DEVELOPMENT plan would leave 26.6 acres for park development; 250-288 residential units; an 18.5-acre park at the builder's cost; would put vacant land on the tax rolls; and provide return on school board investment. It would have no commercial development.