Developer of Tallahassee Mall Amphitheater Requests More Seats
By Janelle Floyd
Senior Outlook Writer
The Growth Management conference room was packed, as residents voiced their concerns on the Tallahassee Mall’s amphitheater, during the Developmental Review Committee (DRC) meeting on Oct. 12.
Blackwater Resources, the mall’s developer, requested for the DRC to increase the amphitheater’s seating capacity from 6,760 to 10,000. The request to increase capacity is to allow more people in the “standing room” section area of the arena. The developer acquired the struggling mall two years ago, including stores: Burlington Coat Factory, AMC Theaters, Belk and Barnes and Noble.
One by one residents voiced their opinions about the proposed increase to the committee. Those who live close to the Tallahassee Mall, stated they were concerned by possible traffic congestion, excessive noise and parking.
According to the mall’s website: “approximately 155,000 square feet of existing mall space will be demolished and replaced with two vehicular cross streets, an open air concert venue, an urban park, restaurants, specialty shops, and several special events venues. The development will include a new amphitheater which will bring in 15-20 national acts and will be used by the local cultural arts organizations.”
“If I could have a positive impact on the development, that is the Centre of Tallahassee,” began resident Lisa Powers. “I just want to make sure my neighborhood does not suffer from noise pollution.”
The first time the DRC met on the request by Blackwater Resources was Sept. 14, where the committee deferred their final decision, to approve or deny the increase, to workout technical details.
In the most recent meeting, the DRC deferred the decision for a second time, in which DRC Chairman Keith Burnsed, further explains.
“We had a request from the developer to continue it, to allow us more time to address some of the issues that we heard from the neighbors today,” said Burnsed.
Although a date has not been released, a sound and traffic study is planned.
Burnsed continued to explain about the future opportunities in which residents could continue to voice their opinions.
“We will continue this item, which is on the site plan, to Nov. 9,” Burnsed announced. “In addition, there will be two public hearings on October 14 and then the second public hearing will be on October 28.”
To find out more information about the Developmental Review Committee, visit talgov.com/growth/.
