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Below
are minutes for the May 9, 2006, meeting of the Atlanta
Downtown Neighborhood Association, which was held at Barry Real Estate Offices, Ivan Allen Plaza. Notes were written by Whitney Russert, ADNA Secretary.
ADNA member Ginny Ubik welcomed 109 ADNA members and guests to the Barry Real Estate Offices in the New Southern Company building on Ivan Allen Boulevard and introduced Steve Teder from Barry Real Estate, who provided refreshments. During informal socializing, guests viewed a scale model and color renderings and plans of the various Ivan Allen Plaza projects currently in construction or design phases. Visitor/member introductions followed, with an impressive turnout from all sections of downtown residences and including many who work downtown as well.
ADNA Festival Chairpersons (Jen Henderson, Beth Haynes, Chris Raffield) reported on Festival progress, encouraging attendees to spread the word and to volunteer during the event. The Festival and Loft tour is held May 20 and 21. Tour tickets can be bought at VSA Gallery (Healey Building) during the festival weekend.
Ginny introduced moderator Kwanza Hall (District 2 City Council Rep) and guest panelists from Publix (John Zielinski), Toscano & Sons Italian Market (John Reed), and Central Atlanta Progress (Tahmida Shamsuddin) who spoke about the current viability of a downtown grocery store.
Tahmida explained statistics compiled by CAP in their Imagine Downtown report about residents (median income, home ownership, consumer spending, unmet retail needs) and current retail markets (average vacancies, sales, future projections.) In general, and as we all know, there is much potential for retail markets downtown. For more information please see CAP’s website.
John Zielinski from Publix indicated that population density and trade areas in the tens of thousands were needed to begin the three-year process toward opening a new grocery store. Meanwhile, he encouraged everyone to patronize the new Publix in Midtown, saying that this model would be similar to a downtown store. He answered questions about a 24-hour store model, and thought that it was more of an employee staffing issue rather than a corporate policy.
John Reed from Toscano & Sons Italian Market at Marietta Street and Howell Mill spoke about his market, set to open in July, and offering quality products and personal service. Ingredients for fine meals that can be prepared at home as well as pre-made foods, Italian wines and cheeses will stock the shelves. For more information see their website www.toscanoandsons.com
Rodney Johnson from Integral Developers spoke very briefly about his new development near Centennial Place.
VP of Public Policy Chris Ciovacco then introduced the owner of Slice Restaurant who asked for ADNA approval for a liquor license and outdoor dining for Slice (occupying the former Icon Restaurant). It was moved, seconded and passed by voting members of ADNA in attendance.
As twilight approached (in a very dimly lit and under-construction room!) Steve Teder from Barry Real Estate offices led the audience through a slide show of nearby construction projects, including the planned W Hotel, Ernst & Young offices, condominiums, and retail space.
Although we knew there would be ample representation from the neighborhood and much enthusiasm for both our speakers and the topic, Publix was the only invited chain that was able to schedule a representative to attend our community meeting. While indications are that it may not be the right moment in time for a grocery of our own, it won’t be long.
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