So we have a new proposal for the vacant land downtown south of Avenue of the Fountains – Park Place.
The first thing that should come to mind is that much work remains to be done before one shovel of dirt can be turned on any of that land.
A proposed Planned Area Development (PAD) application has been submitted to Town Hall, but many details still need to be worked out between the staff and applicant. And then the PAD needs to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Town Council. These things can’t be done overnight. Public reviews are necessary for the project and for the town’s citizens.
We have seen many plans come and go over the years for this property. We’re certainly hoping this one has “legs” (and financing), but these types of commercial proposals are complex, costly and risky. That’s why the land has sat vacant for the better part of 40 years. The involvement of the property owner in this plan is a definite plus on this go-around.
No doubt the applicant’s hopes for some four-story buildings will run into some resistance from residents, but the plan’s entire scope needs to be considered by citizens (and our elected officials) without singular focus on the height issue. The economic difficulties have left this land vacant. That is a valid issue to be examined when assessing the height issue.
If approved, the first thing built would likely be an assisted living facility. Other phases would include 50,000 square feet of retail space along with 400 residential apartment units.
This plan is much different than other ones proposed for along the Avenue, yet it retains many of the same elements. No movie theater – but maybe that is for good reason. This plan is worth reviewing, and we’re hoping it’s worth constructing as well.
