The Crossings at Four Corners slated for January opening
Dusting off the Smyrna-Vinings Patch notebook on a Friday...or at least some of it.
A recent aerial shot of The Crossings at Four Corners development site.
Courtesy Tri-Land Properties, Inc.
Photos (3)
Photos
OK, as I wrote last week, I’m going to do a better job of getting info out there. Sometimes things are more easily written than done. Oye!
Anyway, I did hear back from a representative from Tri-Land Properties regarding the expected opening of The Crossings at Four Corners in Smyrna. And it now looks as if the 96,000 square-foot Kroger and accompanying fuel center will not be ready for the Christmas rush.
At least that’s what I was told by someone from Tri-Land, whoindicated a targeted Jan. 19, 2012 grand opening date. As far as other tenants, leases have been signed with T-Mobile and a nail salon with more to follow.
_______
I failed to fully address two other items last week, one being the construction of the Campbell Road Bridge. Really there’s not a whole lot to report as it’s still scheduled to be opened sometime after the end of the year.
I did, though, swing by and take some pics, including some of a bunch of Croy Engineering workers not working. OK, so maybe they were possibly on a break, but I do know there are those in both the pro- and anti-City/County government camps who question the bang for the buck taxpayers are getting for the money that is awarded to the Marietta-based engineering company for construction projects.
I know Commissioner Bob Ott has issues with sending $1.7 million to Croy (or anyone for that matter) for a TSPLOST alternative analysis study that won’t be finished until months after voters go to the polls on TSPLOST next summer.
The other project is the Smyrna Fire Station No. 5, which will be built on Cooper Lake Road near the intersection of the East West Connector. Construction on the LEED certified building has yet to begin, but the City has been providing updates on its website here.
_______
Speaking of fire, in these dry conditions there was a minor brush fire off Oakdale Road just after midnight on Wednesday. Chief Jason Lanyon told me his department sent out an engine and a ladder truck and the blaze was quickly extinguished.
Chief Lanyon was also at this week’s city council meeting, where the Smyrna Optimist Club helped City officials with a proclamation that Oct. 14 will be Respect for Firefighters Day in Smyrna. The Optimist Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Smyrna this year, will welcome a multitude of firefighters at their regularly scheduled Friday 7 a.m. meeting at American Legion Post 160 that day.
Who won’t be meeting next week are the Smyrna Planning and Zoning Board on Monday night since Community Development does not have any items on the agenda.
_______
And let’s wrap it up here with a return look at Smyrna Commons. As we reported earlier this week, the council approved a measure at its Monday meeting to pay the remaining balance owed on its purchase of Smyrna Commons apartments with surplus funds from the City’s unrestrictive reserve fund. After the city finalizes the sale of the property to the Cobb County School District, it will still owe a remaining balance of $3.35 million.
Many council members at the meeting reiterated their support of the entire Smyrna Commons purchase and eventual sale to the CCSD.
The apartments and the impending new elementary school are in Councilwoman Teri Anulewicz’s Ward 3. “I think this is a critical step in doing one of the things that I have been working very hard to do the last few years, which is to improve education in our community,’’ she said. “I think having an elementary school going into a spot where there is very much a need for a new elementary school is a good start.’’
Councilman Jimmy Smith reminded citizens that had the City not stepped in when the property went up for sale, the apartments would most likely have remained just such, albeit with a new owner. He called the entire Smyrna Commons purchase and sale an “investment in the future of the city.’’
Councilman Ron Newcomb acknowledged that the perception that Smyrna schools are underperforming, whether true or false, was not the fault of the area’s “hard-working principals and teachers.’’ Rather it was the “transiency rates in the neighborhoods feeding the schools’’ that is producing an adverse affect.
“We as a city can control what happens in the neighborhoods that feed the schools,’’ Newcomb said. “Every opportunity we have to reduce the number of renter occupied - to right the balance, which is still up there at forty-something percent of the community is renter-occupied - to right the balance, we’ve got to jump on that. That has got to be a strategic mission.’’
Added Mayor Max Bacon: “The thing that drives our community is education and the schools. I can remember going to ballgames at Campbell and hearing gunshots there on a Friday night. It’s an investment in our future.’’
It must be noted that the council voted 6-1 to pay the remaining balance with surplus funds from the City’s unrestrictive reserve fund. Councilman Wade Lnenicka, who in 2008 did vote in favor of purchasing Smyrna Commons, remained consistent with his February no vote to authorize the Smyrna Downtown Area Development Corporation to enter into a purchase agreement with the school district.
“I would have rather that we held onto the property for another few years, gotten enough rental revenue to break even on it and then look for another buyer,’’ Lnenicka said this week. “I’ve got some concerns about the elementary school being that close to the high school. But I hope it’s successful; hope families get involved in it. I hope it makes Smyrna successful.’’
Randy Smyrna realist
4:16 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Totally agree with Lenicka. Great way to fix mistake of buying that complex. Although the best solution would have been not to buy it in the first place and let the school board do it from the start. Very legitimate concern about high school so close to new elementary school.
Great news about Fire Station on Cooper Lake. It looks like Ward 7 is getting something back for paying over 50% of ALL realt estate taxes in Smyrna (my estimate, since the City repeatedly refuses to provide those numbers, Mike H and other haters please check me on it, something tells me that you or Rio might have better access than me to those numbers :))). Some of us in Ward 7 are not happy that most of our $$$ is spent in other wards or for these questionable purchases. When it comes to Glock building stamping factory 80' underground in our backyards its all good by the city. The City should not have it both ways.
Inside-Out
6:13 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Well actually Randy you want get much of an arguement from me on this as I have a huge Investment in the South side of town. While I will agree that our area pays alot of taxes to the City I have no problem with the improvemnets being made in the Heart of the city and the area close by. Improvements there will not hurt any of us at all. I have been a big supporter of the new Fire Station for our area, even though Donna Woodham doues not support it at all. Just remember that GLOCK's addition will mean more tax revenue for the city and I have no problem at with that, as it is in an industrial zoned area. The more interest that can be built for the city as a whole benfits us all. Everyone here has the same amount of pull at the city. The phone number is 770-434-6600.
D. Cook
6:56 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
If Glock were offered tax incentives to locate in Smyrna that won't mean that much more revenue for the city. (Sean Murphy and especially Rio will correct me. I'm sure Rio researched Glock's tax rate.)
Pepper
1:37 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
I'm glad GLOCK is there! It means employment for alot of folks, my son included!
Rio
8:23 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
D. I must really be some sort of threat to you. Why? Just because I look up facts before I post? You may want to try it. It's much more effective than posting non-sense. And I don't live in Ward 7 and actually know very little about Glock. I guess I could go do your research for you, but this is not a concern of mine so, guess you're on your own. Much of what you are talking about is public record. If you don't know where to look or how to find it, then maybe you should have paid more attention in school. If you're just too lazy to do your own research, then I'm not surprised. Have fun!
George Lee
8:28 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
my fault Rio..We Do own a Glock! Wait a sec, you learned how to use it! Its a nice Company and everyone loves there Cal. and selections. you can buy them at Adventure outdoors...I even think they help our Police with service weapons too! Yes Glock is good for Smyrna!
Rio
8:27 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Back to the article above. (*Sorry I got off track by someone that is obviously threatened by intelligence)
Hunt, I absolutely love this format to catch up all up on the progress (or lack of progress) on the happenings around Smyrna. I was really hoping the new Kroger would be open for the Holidays, but they are really working quickly so if it has to be January I understand.
And Keep an eye on the Campbell Road Bridge project. I really miss that road being open. Takes me an extra 5 to 10 minutes to go around by the BP and head all the way down Spring to get to 285 in the mornings. I will really hate it come Holiday Shopping time!
Chaz Holbrook
8:54 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Snarky comments don't add to the discussion.
Rio
8:58 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Comments about Snarky comments don't add to the discussion. We can do this for days. But I really tried to bring the comments back to the article which is obviously not possible.
George Lee
8:56 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Comments with Snarky don't either!
Chaz Holbrook
9:06 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Sorry. Patch doesn't put out its welcome mat I guess. Came here looking for information. Came to the wrong place.
George Lee
9:08 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
No Chaz... You came to the right place..We have been trying your method for a while..and we would love your input..No disrespect to you on any note!
Rio
9:16 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011
Hi Chaz. I wish there was a welcome mat here at the Patch! I come here to learn new information, share ideas, brain storm and stay in touch with our Smyrna community. Unfortunately there are a few posters that only want to criticize everything going on in our City as well as anyone that supports our wonderful City. It gets tiring to say the least. I love a good debate. I love differences of opinion. I'm really over it when people purposely misstate the facts, or make personal misstatements or attacks against those of us that take time to learn the facts and do a little research. I'm very sorry if you have been offended. Your thoughts, comments, ideas, knowledge and opinions are very welcome here. The Patch is a great place to grab some quick information and converse.
D. Cook
3:14 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Put a cork in that whine. You two are the most immature adults I've ever had the displeasure to encounter. You and others choose to be propagandists for the city. I and others choose not to be.
George Lee
3:18 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Mary, we are getting a supper mega RT :) that's good news, I think.. Now you can be happy again! there are just to many positive things happening in Smyrna, to focus on the negative!
D. Cook
3:40 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
This mayor abuses his power. Can' speak out if you get a business license, liquor license, any license. He'll pull it or deny it. Can't speak out if you want to start a business. He'll deny your license. Can't speak out because others that have have been followed by the police. Just to let them know who's the mayor. You may want to think you're living in Mayberry RFD but you're living in Smyrna GA home to a mayor who needs to voted out of office. People don't vote because he's the only choice. And he makes sure he's the only choice. Candidates won't run against him because of his dirty tactics. The reason this city is in the shape it's in is because of the mayor. He has a stranglehold on it. It's his to pillage and plunder. And he does.
Jonquil Gardener
11:56 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
These are serious allegations, can you quote who these things were done to? The dates? The names? The Patrol car numbers? The specific parties involved? Show any papers? The specifics of any kind? Somehow I doubt it.
D. Cook
3:44 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
I'm so sick of this crap I don't care if I get banned, flagged as inappropriate, or arrested. Go ahead you yahoos. Start with the boo hooing. Call daddy Hunt. Have him ban me from Patch. At least I and others know what's going on in this city. And we're working to change it for the better. And you know why? Because we care.
Pepper
1:50 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
I am assuming you can't provide the facts so you be WRONG! And when you get that huffy you know you are WRONG!
Rio
3:45 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
More vague generalities with no factual basis. We have a record 19 candidates running in our Council & Mayoral races. Doesn't sound like people are scared to me. You have no facts but I'll tell you one thing you did get right D, You said The reason this city is in the shape it's in is because of the mayor. Well maybe we can't give him all the credit for how far this City has come and how well we are holding our own during such a horrible economic world wide crisis, but I do think he has done a fantastic job keeping our little City alive and well, along with our great Council and our wonderful involved Citizens and Volunteer.
D. Cook
11:44 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
The reason there's 19 candidates is because people have had it in Smyrna. They want this mayor and council voted out of office. The reason this city is in the shape it's in beacus of the mayor - his corruption has ruined it. He's done a fantastic job bulding his career as a corrupt mayor. No one mentions what other county politicians and officials think of him. He's made a lot of enemies.
Pepper
1:55 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
Rio, I think D. Cook is confused. First saying, "Candidates won't run against him because of his dirty tactics" and now "The reason there's 19 candidates is because people have had it in Smyrna", which is it D.Cook? Enquiring minds want to know!
mary kirkendoll
8:53 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
So folks choose to harass, dicredit & slander citizens,(that question government), but go ballistic when targeted citizens try to correct the record w/ the facts.
I believe the city is behind most of the aliases - Rio, troll b gone, evil garden gnome etc. Some have admited to be part of this.
I see clearly that Smyrna is run by a bunch of folks that have such outdated ideas, & continue to bulldoze their plans right through this city, destroying any sense of 'community' there could have been.
I have numbers & facts that I have brought to the city, but according to the few that continue to "speak' for the city apparently don't deserve answers.
I will continue to question the 2005 SPLOST.
Croy Engineering is being paid $250,000 per year to oversee projects. The SPLOST check register shows Croy Engineering as benefiting substancially from ALL of the SPLOST projects, in the form of checks written to them.
There is a big problem w/ the SPLOST law itself, that there is no county oversite once the funds are turned over to the city. The only hope the funds get spent as voted on are either an honest city OR an awake public. Smyrna is lacking in both departments.
Windy Hill AND Atlanta Road medians & improvements, & Concord Rd medians & improvements were all in the 2005 SPLOST. That 43 MILLION is almost GONE!
It is deceptive to line Atlanta Rd w/ orange cones to appear alot of work is being done. That project was a FEDERAL GRANT, NOT SPLOST!!.
WAKE UP, it's OUR money
Pepper
2:19 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
Mary, I think my comments are correct. How can you believe someone that contradicts themselves? I didn't discredit anyone. They are doing a good job of that for themselves!
As for Croy Engineering, my sister is employeed by them and I am thankful for that. She works her hiney off to ensure the project will run smoothly for all parties involved! If they were not handling these projects she would be drawing unemployment!
My brother also works works for a company involved with The Crossings at Four Corners project. If some of you had your way two of my siblings would be out of work.
And before you ask, I am not a paid employee with Smyrna nor am I involved with any campaign for the upcoming election. Not at this time anyway!
Anna Varela
9:20 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Folks,
Just a reminder that we welcome open debate of the issues on Patch. But we expect people to refrain from personal attacks on others. Before you hit 'submit,' please take a moment to consider whether you are posting something that you would appreciate if it were directed at you.
Anna Varela
Regional Editor, Patch.com
anna.varela@patch.com
D. Cook
11:02 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
You and Hunt need to get control of this site. You've got people posting misinformation to support misinformation. You've got people getting personal email addresses. You've got candidates in this city being harmed by Smyrna-Vinings Patch. Gain control of this site.
D. Cook
10:53 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
LP is not D. Cook. Hunt, you need to get this site under control. You've got people using misinformation to support misinformation. You've got two candidates that are being harmed by your site. Patch may have started out as a news site but it's now controlled by the city. You need to gain control or you need to resign. You're not doing your job.
Rio
1:40 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
I am a private citizen that works in Dunwoody for a non-profit organization and I am in no way connected to City Government. I just happen to care a great deal about this City and I research and learn the facts before I post on the Patch. And I get very tired of the slanderous misinformation posted on this site against the City and now me personally. This is nothing against the Patch, it is the fault of several posters that loathe this city and post about corruption that doesn't exist using vague generalities and accusations.
D. Cook
10:53 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
LP is not D. Cook.
D. Cook
10:59 am on Sunday, October 9, 2011
There are people on this site who are getting people's personal email addresses. Hunt, this has got to stop. Do your job. Control this site. You've let them take it over. If you've gone over to the city - you've entered the gates of hell. You've just sold your soul to the devil.
Hunt Archbold
1:55 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Hello all and hope everyone is have a nice and peaceful Sunday. Just wanted to stress to everyone that Patch does not share your Personal Information to any third party not affiliated with Patch. The privacy of your personally identifiable information is very important to us. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy. http://www.patch.com/privacy
In light of some of the serious allegations levied against me personally today, they of course are not true. Since the user who made such only registered with Patch within the last few days, they may not know that I am available to discuss matters of interest with anyone 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. I can be reached at 678-620-7320 and will be glad to speak with anyone during those hours and sometimes I can be reached on weekends.
In fact, I spoke with mayoral candidate Alex Backry today who assured me that he did resign from his position with the City some years back, and was not fired as has been communicated by user(s) here at the site. Mr. Backry is working on providing Patch documentation of this and we’ll share if he does so provide. Also, another reminder that Ward 5 city council candidate Mike Hyde is not Mike H, who posts here at the site. And finally, yes we were at Rev Fall Fest yesterday and will be posting some pictures shortly. Thanks.
Rio
2:54 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thank you Hunt. I value the fact that our personal information is not shared on the Patch. It becomes increasingly important as some posters on this site get angry and try to take this from a debate to personal attacks.
Regarding Mr. Backry, as I've stated before, I am his neighbor. I do believe he did resign from the City. However, he stated to me and my husband on several occasions that he very upset as he was forced to resign. As stated above in Alexander Supertramp's post earlier in this thread, Wade Lnenicka's website said that Mr. Backry was suing the city for "Illegal Firing", which makes sense with what Mr. Backry personally told me & my husband. Here is the link to the October, 2007 Newsletter posted on Wade Lnenicka's website mentioning the resignation and suit for "Illegal Firing". http://www.wadeforsmyrna.com/NL-10-2007.html
Lastly, I'm glad to hear you guys were at Rev Fest yesterday. What a great event. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to your post.
Inside-Out
3:38 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why am I continually being singled out with post that state that I am not Mike Hyde. I have never stated that I was Mike Hyde, nor have I ever implied that I am Mike Hyde.I do know Mike and I have found him to be a wonderful individual. Of course I also have been accused of being a paid employee of the Mayor and a spokesman for the city. Some get on here and post their unprovable propoganda and then get their feelings hurt when I ask for proof to verify their post. If you state that something illegal was done by someone I, along with others need a way to verify what you have stated. I do not accept something just because I read it. I support Mayor Max Bacon and I respect what he has done. Others loathe him and I respect that. I also wish Mike Hyde the best in the upcoming election. I would have a tough decision to make between him and Mr. Saliba, as both are outstanding individuals whom I feel would make excellent councilmen.
Hunt Archbold
4:05 pm on Sunday, October 9, 2011
Mike H, this was a request made from the candidate himself I think just to make sure readers wouldn't be confused.