North Point Mall redevelopment proposal brings crowd to City Hall
Alpharetta hockey arena proposal draws crowd to meeting
The Alpharetta City Council held a marathon meeting Monday to debate a massive redevelopment plan for North Point Mall.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Alpharetta city leaders met Monday night to consider a proposal to redevelop North Point Mall into a mixed-use district featuring a 20,000-seat hockey arena.
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What we know:
More than 100 people packed into Alpharetta City Hall on Monday evening as city leaders evaluated the proposal to convert the 100-acre North Point Mall site.
Developers Jamestown and New York Life asked for a zoning variance to transform the shopping center into a mixed-use district.
The proposed development centers around a 20,000-seat hockey arena.
The plan also includes a music venue, hotels, apartments, restaurants and retail space.
Developers said the project has the potential to be the biggest investment in the history of Alpharetta.
Council members grilled the development team, who said they have been in contact with the NHL.
Residents spoke out both for and against the proposal during the passionate public hearing.
NHL team a key part of redevelopment plan
Dig deeper:
The hockey component is more than just an added attraction. The city's Planning Commission has recommended conditions tying part of the development to securing an NHL franchise.
Under one proposed condition, an NHL franchise would have to be awarded to the project before residents could occupy the apartments planned for the property. The deadline to secure that commitment would be August 2031, giving developers about five years.
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There is still a major hurdle: The NHL has not committed to bringing a franchise to Alpharetta or the Atlanta market.
Still, the possibility is likely to draw plenty of attention from local hockey fans. Atlanta has previously been home to two NHL teams — the Flames and the Thrashers — and both eventually relocated to other cities.
Additionally, Forsyth County already approved a proposal to build a multi-billion-dollar, 18,000-seat arena in Cumming. Opening an NHL expansion team costs roughly $2 billion.
North Point Mall discussion happening Monday night
Alpharetta officials are expected to discuss the future of the North Point Mall Monday night as developers seek approval for a redevelopment that would dramatically reshape the property.
What's next for North Point Mall
What we know:
The redevelopment proposal is expected to be discussed during Monday night's meeting at Alpharetta City Hall.
The project is part of an effort to reimagine North Point Mall and surrounding property as a mixed-use district combining housing, entertainment, dining, shopping and potentially professional sports.