ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A proposed redevelopment of North Point Mall that could include a 20,000-seat hockey arena and potentially help bring the NHL back to metro Atlanta has cleared a major hurdle.
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In a narrow 4-3 vote, the Alpharetta Planning Commission approved redevelopment plans for the mall’s 100-acre site.
The proposal, led by Jamestown developers, would transform the property into a massive mixed-use development featuring hotels, apartments, retail, restaurants, a music venue and the 20,000-seat arena.
Developers hope the arena could help Alpharetta land an NHL franchise if the league expands again.
“I think this is potentially the greatest economic impact vote maybe in the history of Alpharetta,” said Tim Perry, Jamestown’s chief investment officer.
The proposed redevelopment would be one of the largest projects in the city’s history.
Perry said North Point Mall’s location makes it ideal for a major redevelopment, pointing to its access to major roads, two highway exits, a future express lane exit and a MARTA stop.
The Atlanta area has lost two NHL franchises in the past. The Atlanta Flames left for Calgary, while the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg.
North Point Mall is one of two proposed metro Atlanta arena developments hoping to position themselves for a possible future NHL expansion team.
Some residents told Channel 2 Action News they support redeveloping the aging mall property but still have questions about the plans.
Shane Orfus said he remembers riding his dirt bike through the forest before North Point Mall was built. While he believes redevelopment could benefit the community and potentially increase property values, he said he hopes the project offers something unique.
“Mixed use is nice, but it’s just a cookie-cutter kind of concept that is very overused,” Orfus said. “I’m happy it’ll probably help my property value, but I’m just not sure if there’s something for all of us there.”
The proposal now heads to the full Alpharetta City Council for a final vote, scheduled for two weeks from the Planning Commission’s decision.
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