Friday, November 21, 2003

Survey says Union City has too much retail

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special to The Citizen

The results of a Union City town center study are in, and were brought before the Mayor and Council Monday night.The bottom line of the study, officials said, is there seems to be too much retail space.

In looking at the study, the council also looked at maps showing transit solutions proposed by DOT representatives.

The solutions are are designed to accommodate growth and bring traffic to the business area, officials said. A 25 year projection of that growth included downsizing the amount of space for businesses. An increased numbers of single family homes, townhomes and multifamily dwellings were all calculated to more than double in the next 10 to 15 years.

In addition, election results for the City Council were read. Helen Turner will be back in place and Joan Steward's seat will be filled by newcomer Alisa King who received the most votes of any candidate with a 378 total.

When it came time to discuss regular food services for the South Fulton Municipal Regional Jail, Aramark lost out completely. They were outbid by Valley Services, Inc. who quoted $1.19.5 per meal to Aramark's $1.36.4 per meal. Oasis Management Systems will be the new operators of all commissary services. The city will receive 32.5 percent of the Oasis net sales as opposed to Aramark where they had received nothing.

Finally, two recommendations from the Planning Commission were approved for 162.12 acres of land on Royal South Parkway to be rezoned and annexed into the city. The Ivan Allen Company requested that the property be changed from Fulton County O-I, C-1 and M-1A to Union City O-I, GC and M-1. The vote was, once again, unanimous.

Before adjourning, Mayor Ralph Moore told everyone to "stay tuned to pending water rate increases" expected along with Atlanta's continued sewage woes.