Editorial

Church Purchase is Smart Growth Move Toward a Master Plan to Implement Updated LCI

Like kudzu,  the proposed Cultural Arts Center has grown to a gargantuan, out –of-scale  26,000 square feet edifice with cost estimates of $6 to $10 million by its completion.  While SPLOST money of $5.5 million is expected over the next four years, construction costs would be expected over one year, potentially creating a cash flow problem for the city unless a careful finance plan is created. Questions to previous council members and requests for a realistic finance plan covering the SPLOST short-fall, staffing, managing, and operating the venue have gone unanswered until this year.

 In spite of  the Mayor’s tie-breaking vote against buying the church when the question was called for the first time,  the  Council moved ahead with a business plan by voting to retain Urban Collage to prepare a master plan to guide the City’s growth.

Clearly, a level-headed approach is needed with closer analyses, making sure the needs of the growing community can be met.   A viable solution is integrating the church complex into the Arts Center plan as a community center envisioned by the 2000 LCI study.  Council proponents of the new plan point out community activities and a community theatre are different from needs of a performing arts theatre and assure residents of intentions to build a more refined version of the Old School House.

We applaud the City Council for its work in bringing these contract negotiations before the public.  We understand the frustration of some residents who have only recently become aware of the process taking place.  At the same time, we are concerned by the well-orchestrated opposition of elements of former city councils and a few real estate special interests attempting to derail for political purposes what could and should become a win-win opportunity for all if the process is allowed to continue.

We believe the Council has shown wise leadership in attempting to incorporate the historic Church landmark into its plan to preserve and enhance the charm and viability of the downtown area as a destination that draws visitors and residents alike.

Unique opportunity and challenge are before the community. We call upon civic and government leaders and citizens to approach the new plan with a heightened sense of responsibility, professionalism, open-mindedness, and a demonstrated desire to do the right thing for the greater good of the historic downtown core that generates the dynamic for the CID revitalization. 

With careful planning and a spirit of cooperation, the historic city of Norcross will be a destination that nurtures quality- of -life and economic well-being for generations to come.

• SEE POWERPOINT OVERVIEW PRESENTED at May 1 Council meeting by Mayor Pro Tem Michael Lovelady
• READ Gwinnett Daily Post Article by Doug Sams, February 12, 2006:   “If we build it…will they come?”