Thanks for the update Holly!!

1. As you all know, the Jaraysi nightclub project has been at an standstill ever since our code enforcement office became aware of apparent code violations. It is the eyesore on South Marietta Parkway. We have been working hard to resolve this problem, but the legal process takes time. I know we all would like to fix this as soon as possible, but we have to follow the legal process carefully. Not to do so would expose the city to a possible lawsuit. Having taking all of the proper steps, we voted to have the site declared a public nuisance. Hopefully the end to this eyesore is near. See below for more specific details.
2. As you have noticed Johnny Walker Homes, now named Marietta Walk, is making more progress each week. If you have any specific questions please let me know.
3. We will begin renovations on Louise Burford Henry Park in June 2007. I know we all look forward to the makeover.
4. Congratulations to Mike Wilson, a lifelong Marietta resident and real estate broker, who has been hired by the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation to work as a real estate broker. Mike resides in Ward 4.
5. Walnut Grove is starting to build the first home on the site. I know we all look forward to seeing less dirt and more progress there soon. I was very concerned that the construction of sidewalks, that were stipulated when the previous council agreed to the development, would destroy the last remaining trees on the site. I have met with the developer, Mark Kirk several times. We worked out a plan to locate the sidewalk behind the trees to create a wonderful shaded walk. I convinced the council to agree to this plan at our last meeting.
6. Don’t forget to visit ‘The Big Picture’, an open house showcase of Marietta’s redevelopment projects which will occur on Tuesday, March 20th. See below for the article with more information.
7. Come out and volunteer to help Marietta Tree Keepers plant trees along Atlanta Rd., Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 8:30am. Look for the green signage.
8. On April 2, 2007 the City will close Northcutt St. between Maxwell and Reynolds for removal of a large tree. A very large crane will be removing a very large oak tree. The times will be from 9am-7pm (with preliminary work and set-up to begin at 7am). We are very sorry for the inconvenience. Only residents on the section of that road will have access to their driveways. Signage will be posted by March 29th informing traffic of the closure. This will increase traffic in many surrounding areas, we are sorry about the inconvenience of this closure. Please contact the City of Marietta- Public Works if you have any questions at 770-794-8110.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and have a great weekend. Please see the upcoming events below and the City E-NEWS.

Special Thanks to the MDJ for this great story…

MARIETTA - One of the city’s remaining public housing projects is almost empty and housing authority officials said demolition could begin soon.

Marietta Housing Authority Executive Director Ray Buday said only one or two residents are left in the 8-acre, 125-unit public housing project located near Cherokee and Montgomery streets.

“We’ve given extraordinary attention to helping the folks move,” he said.

Buday said Section 8 vouchers had been issued to residents of the project and the majority of former residents have used them.

MHA Director Pete Waldrep said demolition and development of the site would begin in late March, with the MHA grading and completing infrastructure improvements.

“We’re going to develop the piece of property ourselves,” he said.

Waldrep added the land would go out for bid in late May or early June.

“Our goal is to sell all the lots to one builder,” he said.

The site’s density will drop from 125 units to 45 single-family detached homes, with 30 percent, or 15 units, planned as affordable housing priced below $300,000.

Waldrep said the plan is to issue the builder a rebate on each affordable house equal to the price of the lot.

The affordable homes would look similar on the outside, with interior changes to bring prices down.

Ward 5 City Councilman Anthony Coleman, an outspoken advocate for more affordable housing in the city, said a few months ago he is dissatisfied with only 30 percent of Lyman being affordable housing.

He said he still would prefer more affordable housing units.

“I’ll live with the 15, but I’d prefer 20,” he said.

Buday said the MHA wants to “move fast” on getting started.

He said the housing authority would seek site plan approval from the City Council in April.

Waldrep estimates building would begin early in September with the first residents moving in by the end of the year.

Lyman Homes was built in 1949 as segregated housing to replace the dilapidated Baptist Town that was home to many of the city’s poor black residents.

Demolition of the 57-year-old housing project is the latest in a trilogy of redevelopment efforts aimed at run-down developments. The housing authority previously sold off its former Johnny Walker and Clay Homes sites.

Buday said the site would be fenced off for the demolition.

In 2002, Lyman residents protested re-installation of barriers and fencing around the neighborhood designed to curb drug-related crime and speeding through the neighborhoods.

mfrench@mdjonline.com