What business would you like to see in Smyrna's Market Village?

Editor's Note: With permission from Smyrna City Councilwoman Teri Anulewicz, the following is her latest update on Ward 3 happenings. See here to determine which ward of the city you live in.

Here’s the latest news about Ward 3. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, or share ideas for how we can improve our city, and please pass this information on to any interested neighbors.

• Here’s a brainstorming exercise: what businesses would you like to see fill the vacant spaces in the Market Village? The available retail spaces are each around 1,600 square feet, so we’re not talking about something with the scale of a Whole Foods or a Trader Joes – but if there’s a business you love that you think would be a good fit for the Market Village, please let me know. As an example, I think that the Market Village would be a great location for a children’s hair salon (something along the lines of Pigtails & Crewcuts). There are two retail spaces available (the former gift shop and floral shop locations) and I look forward to hearing your suggestions. Again, this is a brainstorming exercise – and these buildings are not owned by the City of Smyrna – and will be helpful as Economic Development is eager to hear residents’ suggestions as they work with the building owners and proactively reaches out to prospective tenants.

• You may be wondering why I just said that there are two retail spaces available in the Market Village when one of the commercial buildings (where Snap Fitness was located) is entirely vacant. I learned that the building’s owner is in the process of reworking the terms of their ownership, and until that process is complete, they are precluded from signing any new leases. In the meantime, there is activity in the location of the former gelato shop, and I look forward to having more details soon on what will be in that space.

• There is no development update on Jonquil Plaza. I hope that the owners will keep the site maintained and in compliance within our ordinances. If maintenance is not done in a timely way, you can be assured that the City will ensure that the owners are within compliance as quickly as possible.

• With regards to Belmont Hills, other than part of the site being sold to the Cobb County School District, there are no development updates at this time.

• Many people ask about the former site of the Trellis Apartments (in Williams Park, between Roswell and Whitfield streets, frequently referred to as the “Pipe Farm”). This site is not owned by the City, and it is true that the Cobb County School District briefly considered it as a possible site for the new elementary school that will be built at Belmont Hills. The City keeps the right-of-way mowed, and our Code Enforcement officers stay on top of the owners (there have been several) during the summer months. Clearly, site maintenance on the part of the owners has not been up to reasonable standards, and I am assured that Community Relations will not hesitate to take the necessary steps regarding code compliance. Please let me know if you have any questions about this site.

• Follow Ward 3 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TeriWard3. These notes and other updates are posted there, and I also post other updates, informational blurbs, and links to information that are pertinent to Ward 3.

Other notes – for more information on any of the items below, please check the City of Smyrna website, www.SmyrnaCity.com

• Saturday Mornings – Don’t miss the Smyrna Fresh Produce Market in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church every Saturday morning from 8 AM until noon. And now, featuring THE FARM MOBILE! Why does the Farm Mobile merit all-caps and an exclamation point?  See for yourself: http://www.grassfedcow.com/farmmobile.html. Locally-raised, grass-fed meats! “Tomato-geddon!” Fresh, locally-baked breads from H&F Bread Company! I do not use exclamation points lightly – as farmers’ markets go, being in the Farm Mobile’s rotation is fantastic news!

• Taste of Smyrna: Festival of Delectable – Saturday, September 17, 2011, 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM – make sure to stop by the Market Village to sample tasty bites from over 30 participating restaurants including Atkins Park, Crepe Revolution, Marlow’s Tavern, Chick-fil-A, Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, Moe's Southwest Grill (Smyrna Market Village), Pasta Bella, The Melting Pot, Stevi B’s, Williamson Bros. BBQ and more. Admission is FREE and samples can be purchased from $0.50 up to $4.

• Facebook is a great way to get the most up-to-date information on the city, especially if you rely heavily on your smart phone or other mobile device: www.facebook.com/CityofSmyrnaGA.