Comments on: City To Discuss Purchase of Callaway Building Site Tonight

By: TeeRuss

TeeRuss — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:19:41 +0000

My concern is not necessarily whether it’s a good or bad deal. My concern is whether the City has the consent of the people to make good and bad land development deals. This is an activity that goes beyond core services and introduces huge potential for risk or corruption.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:41:49 +0000

If my memory is correct…someone just bought Tyler Perry studio/land down near Crog St/Beltline for $2.3 million/acre. Thats about $53 per sq. ft. I’d say City made a good deal. Therefore should have some leverage w/ Cousins when they make the second part of this deal. Smooth move Jim B.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:52:37 +0000

My guess would be that the partnership provides leverage for the city. That’s a really key downtown parcel with huge potential for helping redefine downtown south of the square to the tracks. There are a lot of things permissible under our zoning — especially as they relate to design, materials, use and tenants — that might be okay but fall short of ideal. Having skin in the game allows the city to push for a higher standard.

By: AMB

AMB — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:24:36 +0000

I still don’t understand why the county couldn’t sell the building directly to the developer. Why is Decatur acting as middleman?

By: taxus

taxus — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:13:53 +0000

Great news with great potential!