The public gets first look at downtown revitalization plan

ALBANY — The public got its first look at a proposed downtown redevelopment plan Tuesday night, the latest effort to inject some life into the moribund heart of the city.

The master plan, presented by Strategic Advisory Group’s (SAG) Anthony Peterman for the Albany Dougherty Inner City Authority (ADICA), focused on the revitalization of the 100 block of Broad Avenue, flanked by Washington Street, Pine Avenue, Front Street and Oglethorpe Boulevard.

Peterson presented a plan that dealt with residential and retail expansion within the 100 block, the renovation of the old Holman Mule Barn into an event center, razing the Albany Civic Center and replacing it with a multi-purpose sports park and building a pedestrian bridge across Oglethorpe.

Earlier in the day, Peterman had presented an overview of the group’s recommendations at a called meeting of the Albany City Commission.

“This project really began in 1996 with the riverfront development plan,” said Anthony Peterman of SAG. “We were charged with coming in and looking at the financial and market feasibility of the uses of downtown: residential, retail, mixed-use, conventions, hospitality, office, other things. This plan is based on many small steps over a period of time.

“If any of you have been to Columbus lately you know what’s they’ve been doing to their downtown. It’s beautiful, but Columbus is now reaping the rewards of the result of decisions they made 40 years ago. Right now your downtown lacks destination appeal.”

Peterman said the key to revitalizing downtown was to combine private investment with public money to stimulate growth and vitality to the area. He added you need “feet on the ground” to provide the catalyst for change, and suggested the city start with two downtown residential projects at the Exchange Building and Albany Heights.

“No one is going to walk into town and save Albany. You have to do this yourself,” Peterman said. “Start by converting the Exchange Building into residential units targeting the ages 25 to 34 market, then follow with Albany Heights and later perhaps the old Bank of America Building.

“Before anything else can happen you have to get people downtown, the shops and restaurants will follow.”

Peterman added that downtown residential developments would first jump start retail expansion along Front Street. He estimated Phase I of the redevelopment would cost $16.2 million. It would be up to the city and private investors on how the expenses were split.

The issue that garnered the most attention was the possibility of razing the Civic Center and replacing it with a multi-purpose sports park.

“The sports park wasn’t part of our original charge, but it was in the 1996 plan and was being talked about, so we included it,” Peterman said. “We wanted a way to use the concept and combine it with downtown redevelopment. We recommend razing the civic center and replacing it with a sports park as close to the 100 block as possible. Oglethorpe is a bear, so build a pedestrian bridge over the road and keep people downtown as long as possible.

The proposed Phase I costs, however, do not include removal of the civic center or the building of a new sports park.

“You don’t have to do it all at one time, Peterman said. “We’re looking at 20 or 30 years here.”

Peterman then took aim at the Dougherty County School System.

“If Albany wants to change its future, it has to do a better job with its schools,” he said.

That prompted a response from Dougherty County School Board member Lane Price.

“I understand what you are saying, but we have seen some remarkable improvement in our schools since over the last two years,” Price said. “Our superintendent (Butch Mosley) has been doing a wonderful job. We aren’t where we want be but we are working hard at getting better.”

Albany businessman Sam Shugart, who has a financial interest in several buildings within the 100 block, was pleased that people were finally paying attention to downtown.

“I remain optimistic about the future of downtown Albany,” he said. “What’s frustrating is that the city must help level the playing field with public funds to make the opportunity attractive as solid investments. The media seems to harp on the $16 million outlay, but that money will help us earn $60 million. In the grand scheme of things $16 million is nothing.

“I’m just happy that downtown is happening and we are talking about it. Now it’s time to pull the trigger on a few things.”