Sandy Springs OKs buying old Target store for City Hall

Sandy Springs has picked a location for a future City Hall, although city officials aren’t ready to commit to any timeline for construction or renovation.

The City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to authorize the $8 million purchase of a commercial property on Johnson Ferry Road, near Roswell Road. The 8-acre tract is now occupied by a recently shuttered Target store.

The acquisition got a mixed review from an audience of 25 residents, some of whom spoke at a public hearing before the vote.

Steve Massell, president of a commercial real estate company, favored the purchase. He called the $8 million price — about $1 million an acre — “a steal” for a central location in Sandy Springs.

Jim Buckler, owner of a software development company, chided the council for not giving residents enough time or opportunity to evaluate the choice.

“Do the people want this, or does a misdirected City Council want this?” he said.

Council members who wanted to purchase the site said the city could take advantage of a downturn in real estate prices to secure a centrally located parcel for a reasonable price, one that could spur redevelopment in that section of Roswell Road.

“This is going to be the epicenter of what I consider a great city,” said Councilwoman Ashley Jenkins.

Councilman Doug MacGinnitie, the only member who voted against the purchase, said spending $8 million was inappropriate, given other city priorities and the chilly economic climate. “At best, it will sit empty for years,” he said.