Alpharetta to consider mixed-use development

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Alpharetta will consider a variance request that would clear the way for a large mixed-use complex at Haynes Bridge Road and Ga. 400.

But the applicant, MetLife/Peridot, has generated opposition from some residents who are not over another mixed-use venture two miles away, which has sat idle for two years.

"Some of the stuff just doesn't make sense," said resident Mark McKean. "Look at Prospect Park."

Prospect Park, at Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 400, first went before the Alpharetta City Council in 2005. Then it was proposed as a 64.4-acre project with 472 condominiums, 400,250 square feet of office space, a 136-room hotel and 835,350 square feet of retail space. The plan later grew to 90 acres, and called for fewer residences but more office and retail space.

But work on the complex stalled in 2009 after the developer had cleared the site of trees and began installing utilities. The property now sits abandoned, owned by the bank.

"They call this the gateway to our city," McKean said.

MetLife has owned the Haynes Bridge property for more than 20 years and moved its regional headquarters to the site in 1998. It occupies one of three six-story office buildings on the campus.

Plans for the balance of the property, about 47 acres, call for 40,000 square feet of restaurant space, 70,000 square feet of retail, a 211-room hotel, 447,200 square feet of office use and 546 condominiums. Plans also include a parking deck.

Officials with the development did not respond to requests for an interview, but the initial plan submitted in 2007 received the blessing of the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Alpharetta Community Development Director Diana Wheeler said MetLife/Peridot is seeking the variance now because its plans call for "piping" a stream running through the property so a road can be built. Its federal and state permit to channel the stream through an underground pipe expires next year, she said.

The city planning commission gave conditional approval to the plan at its Jan. 6 meeting.

At that meeting, residents raised concerns over whether the project would be completed once initial work began. Victor Hawa suggested the city require a bond to help insure against clear-cutting of trees.

The City Council will consider the proposal at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 2 South Main Street.