By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@thecitizennews.com

Tyrone Mayor Sheryl Lee thinks that developer John Callaway's proposal for a mixed use development is a good concept, but still thinks the project needs a lot of work.

Lee responded late last week to Callaway's proposal for a a village style shopping center. Callaway also offered the town land on his site for erecting a municipal complex.

“I'm not sure that would work. I would have to study it more,” said Lee.

The town has been looking at different sites, but has not decided on anything yet, the mayor added.

Callaway's proposed 60-acre development near the current Town Hall would feature more than 100,000 square feet of retail development.

“I think his retail proposal is something that we need to work with him on, like we just did with Joel Cowan,” she said.

Cowan wants to develop a 169-home subdivision and has been working with Tyrone town officials and affected residents for months on his plans.

The Town Council is expected to give Cowan the go-ahead for development tomorrow night and Lee liked the discussion that went back and forth between the city and developer.

Callaway's site is just off Ga. Highway 74, near the intersection of Senoia Road and Palmetto-Tyrone Road. He believes the site is ideal to create a village-type development that would set new standards for development in the area.

Included in the development would be a 51,000-sq. ft. grocery store, along with smaller shops such as ice cream stores and cafes that would be built along a heavily landscaped street to give the impression of a typical village or small town.

If the town decided to build its municipal complex on the property, Callaway believes the entire center would be a “destination” for the city's residents and not merely some place to shop.

Callaway's zoning proposal is expected to be discussed at the Feb. 24 Planning Commission meeting.