During the Alpharetta City Council's first of four public input meetings on the new 22-acre downtown development plan, citizens expressed concerns about the proposed 450-lot parking garage and the idea to turn Haynes Bridge Road into a two-lane road.

But city officials made sure to explain that the project will reflect what the community wants.

“This is your plan, not our plan,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas, before taking questions and comments about the proposal presented.

Tom Miller, a resident of the Windward Community, was the first to express worries over the parking garage, which is depicted in the preliminary map as being partially above ground.

Miller said a parking deck is “not good for businesses” because residents will have to park and walk to their destinations instead of parking in front of the business.

But city officials explained that storefront parking is not sufficient and those spots would take up possible green space if they were all placed on the surface.

Other residents asked if the parking deck — now estimated at costing $9.8 million — could be placed entirely underground.

“We looked into it for the last go around ... it does tend to be more expensive,” city spokesman James Drinkard said. “But it's not off the table by any means.”

Community Development Director Diana Wheeler pointed out that the structure would not be as tall as it is depicted on the drawing presented at the meeting.

“From a pedestrian perspective, you're going to see [the future development] buildings which are taller than the deck. From a ground view it's going to be behind all these major buildings,” she said.

With regard to Haynes Bridge Road's realignment, some residents said they were concerned that traffic would be worsened.

Councilman D.C. Aiken assured residents that with the recent purchase of Prospect Park by North American Properties, Westside Parkway will be completed, alleviating traffic.

Several residents said they liked the concept of having green space and park space for concerts and other community activities.

The estimated cost of the project will be $30.2 million, and residents will vote on a bond referendum for the project in November. Council members have stated that the bond would not increase taxes.

For residents who missed the meeting, feedback can be viewed and submitted at www.alpharetta.ga.us/downtownproject.