Columbus, Georgia

Minutes



COUNCIL BRIEFING



Meeting

March 09, 2004



Members Present: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius

Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh and Nathan Suber.

Also present were Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City

Attorney Clifton Fay, Finance Director Angela Cole, Clerk of Council Tiny

Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis.



Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers and Councilors Wayne Anthony and

Evelyn Woodson were absent.

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The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m. in the Council Chambers Conference

Room, Plaza Level of the Government Center.



Columbus State University Campus downtown:

City Manager Cavezza recognized the presence of Dr. Brown, the President of

Columbus State University, who would be providing a brief overview of the

expansion of the CSU facilities in the downtown area; the resolution would be

coming to Council within the next week or so, but we have to announce it before

we bring it forward.



Dr. Jim Brown, President of Columbus State University, came forward to review

the recent proposal of a theater project on the open area just west of the

Pillowtex building. Using a large map, he briefly explained the layout of the

original plan, as well as, the recent proposal, which includes the theater

being constructed on Bay Avenue. He pointed out that this plan requires two

things: the closing of Bay Avenue from 10th Street to Dillingham and for the

City to give Columbus State University title to the property to be used and

maintained as a park. In return, Dr. Brown maintained that CSU would give the

City a covenance that guarantees that CSU would not build on that property, and

it would be used only for educational purposes. In response to a question of

Councilor McDaniel, Dr. Brown acknowledged that CSU would maintain the park.

He added that we would also guarantee that we would not begin any park

development without coming back to the Council and reviewing the plans with the

Council before anything happens; the Council would have the say so regarding

what the park would look like.



At this time, Dr. Brown responded to various questions from the members of

Council regarding parking, housing for students and security. In conclusion,

City Manager Cavezza reiterated that the road closure and transfer of title

would be coming to Council within the next few weeks.



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Green Island Drive Closure:

City Manager Cavezza reminded everyone of the development of Spring Harbor on

River Road near the vicinity of Mountainbrook Road. He explained that the

construction would require the closure of a portion of Green Island Drive from

the entrance of Gaines Creek to River Road. He further pointed out that from

Gaines Creek up to Mountainbrook Road would still be a public road to give

access to the residents in that area. He added that the developer is going to

improve the road in that area, as well as, the intersection of Double Churches

and River Road. There have been a lot of meetings, but City Manager Cavezza

reassured that everyone in that community is in agreement right now.



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Brighton at the Park Apartments:

Listed on the City Manager?s Agenda is a resolution of support for apartments

in the vicinity of Flat Rock Park. City Manager Cavezza reported that there

has been some concerns about that project; therefore, we are going to hold off

on that resolution to give the developers an opportunity to have some meetings

with the residents to explain the project.



In response to a question from Councilor Turner Pugh, City Manager Cavezza

replied that the developer, Paul LLC, has received a bond from the Development

Authority, plus he is trying to get some tax credits, which is the reason for

the resolution of support. Responding to further questions, City Manager

Cavezza emphasized the fact that the property is zoned properly for apartments;

however, to receive the tax credits, he would need the resolution of support.



Deputy City Manager Richard Bishop responded to questions regarding the

location of the property, to which he explained that it is north of Flat Rock

Park between Flat Rock Park and J. R. Allen Parkway. Councilor Davis requested

to see a lay out of the project.



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Meeting adjourned at 8:57 a.m.





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Sandra T. Davis, Deputy Clerk of Council