• “Launch community effort to clear and allow the community to use their talents and resources on a volunteer basis”
• “Future plan developed by the community and for the community.”
• “Do not accept any federal funding or grants for this restoration. This will build back some of the trust lost from our community to our leaders, thereby creating an atmosphere of true Covington spirit.”
Residents participating in the petition may choose any of the following options:
• “I oppose reallocating Baker Field for a purpose other than its intended use.”
• “I oppose the city selling Baker Field & the Historic Gym.”
• “I want restoration of the facility and field by involving the community and city funding.”
Ferry’s letter also stated signing the petition would also be saying “no” to more apartments — “its original intent.”
“By now you have probably heard about the city’s proposal to build Baker Field into an apartment complex in our Historic District with all the empty promises of affordable housing and 4 high-end retail shops,” Ferry’s petition stated. “The truth is that it will do nothing to build our city up. Instead, this is a shell game to pad the pockets of a few and further take away the last remaining children’s activities for this community.
“The Baker Family is held in high regard for the dedication of this historic landmark, and our community has enjoyed coming together for many years,” the letter concluded. “Let’s keep it that way.”
There are no current development plans on the table for the historic property. City Manager Scott Andrews issued a statement Friday about the future of Conyers Street Gym and Baker Field. He said the city decided to pass on the recent proposal from Alpharetta-based developer John Adams of The Revivalist Guild, on behalf of Covington Historic Places, LLC, whose $14 million plans called for the construction of 40 apartments and retail space while preserving the history and integrity of the beloved facility.
“We will continue to explore options to make the properties aesthetically pleasing, functional, and something the community supports,” part of Andrew’s statement reads. “As we progress, we will continue to seek feedback from the community and ensure everyone is aware of potential developments.”
Ferry noted within the petition letter that she was appreciative of Andrew’s comments and thanked the city for continuing to seek residents’ input.