Greenfield's director of neighborhood services Rick Sokol Thursday implored the Community Development Authority to have a broad vision of the future for development on the Southridge Mall property within the city and along 76th Street. 

"The mall is clearly creating a spark for redevelopment," Sokol said. "Should we let the marketplace decide what happens there? Should we create standards?Should we nudge it along? Should we create vision?" 

Sokol's message to CDA members was precipitated by a bevy of recent news coming from Southridge Mall. Simon Property Group, the owner of the mall, announced last month Macy's and H&M will be some of the retail center's new tenants.  

"The ball is now rolling and things are moving," Sokol said. 

Sokol's message was also in response to a consultant's presentation last month to the Plan Commission. Graef, a local firm, advanced the city to define, respond and manage opportunities that may arise along the corridor.   

"I agree that we need to provide the vision for what goes in that area, but I think the industry and developers need to provide the focus," CDA member and Alderman Karl Kastner said. 

In a broad, sweeping conversation that lasted more than an hour, CDA members discussed impacts and tenets of development in the area and what the city's roll should be in guiding that development. 

"Certainly the market has changed over the last few years," CDA member James Podewils said. "Not that we want the city out there doing the development, but taking more of a proactive stance than in years past would make some sense right now."  

CDA members and Sokol briefly touched on topics concerning the future pedestrian aspect of the area, public transportation, water retention and design standards. At one point during the conversation, a suggestion was made to call on the assistance of a broker to help shepherd development, if the city ultimately moves in that direction. 

Although no definitive decisions were made during the meeting, Sokol made several references to a retailer in the Greenfield portion of the mall property that is exploring a plan to expand. He refused, however, to name the retailer.