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Johns Creek council approves Cauley Creek Makerspace construction contract in 4-3 vote
Summary
After extended debate over cost, parking and operations, the Johns Creek City Council approved a $400,000 addendum and construction contract for a new Cauley Creek Makerspace building, advancing design-build work despite calls to table the project. Vote: 4–3.
A divided Johns Creek City Council on Aug. 11 approved an addendum to the Cauley Creek Makerspace construction contract that funds a new-building approach and HVAC installation, advancing design and construction after a 4–3 vote.
Assistant City Manager Haggard told the council the addendum reflects an additional $400,000 needed to pursue a new building rather than renovating the existing water reclamation plant and that the contractor would proceed to design work if the addendum is approved: "Tonight, I'm seeking approval of the addendum to the Cauley Creek Makerspace construction contract, and I'm happy to answer any questions," Haggard said.
The vote followed more than an hour of questions and debate focused on parking, procurement and long-term operations. Councilmembers pressed staff for details on how many parking spaces the project will provide, whether the city or a partner will operate the facility, and the consequences of tabling the item. Haggard said ADA parking will be adjacent to the building, that a nearby lot near the pickleball courts could serve overflow, and that the design-build contractor would hold the design work until the council directed staff to proceed.
Councilmember DiBiase expressed concern about cost and the building footprint, urging more analysis before committing city dollars: "I would rather just table this, take a half a step back and really look at this and say why are we doing this?" DiBiase said, asking for clearer pro forma projections and operational plans.
Other councilmembers argued that tabling risked losing partners and momentum. Mayor Bradbury said the design-build approach had produced a proposal that accomplishes council goals at a lower price than earlier proposals: "So to all of a sudden, you know, claim this huge concern about the overall dollars — I don't buy it," he said.
Councilmember Elwood moved to approve the construction contract addendum; the motion was seconded and passed 4–3. The council did not adopt new operational details at the meeting but directed staff to continue working with the contractor and to return to council with further information on parking and operating options. Haggard told the council there is an out clause tied to progress payments if the council later decides to stop the work.
Next steps include the contractor completing design documents under the addendum and staff returning with additional operational and parking analysis, potential partnership terms (including conversations referenced with the Fulton County School Board), and any necessary procurement follow-up.
