Sandy Springs looks to revamp downtown

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga.,None — From Johnson Ferry Road to Heritage Green, Sandy Springs city leaders want to breathe new life into the downtown area.

This week, city officials are asking for the public's help and input as they move toward redeveloping the central business district.

"The citizens of this city really need to step up and say, 'This is the direction we want our city to go,'" said visitor Bob Neal.

This Wednesday, the Sandy Springs mayor wants to hear from downtown property owners, along with other residents and stakeholders. Developers are being called on to reshape the look and feel of the area.

The move comes after the city announced that it has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a Request for Information (RFI). It's the first step to find a company that will take the lead and a redevelopment plan.

Sandy Springs resident Jim Osterman recently wrote an editorial stressing the importance of community involvement at this early stage.

"What do we want it to look like? How do we want it laid out? How do we want to use the land?" he said.

The hope is that the right plan will benefit businesses and residents for years to come.

The meeting for public input is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room at the Heritage Sandy Springs office building.