SMYRNA - Smyrna's redevelopment coordinator, Andrea Hall, told business leaders Thursday morning that although some projects remain stalled by the economy, the city is primed to prosper.

"Forty-one subdivisions were approved in the last year, and 70 percent of the homes that have been completed have been sold," Hall said. "Everyone that I have spoken to has said that when things improve with the economy, Smyrna will be on the leading edge because of its convenience to amenities and the quality of those amenities. People like to have the city, urban feel without the Fulton County taxes."

The Jonquil Village development, on Atlanta Road across from the Market Village, will not be completed this year, Hall said, though by summer she should have a better idea on its progress.

At the corner of South Cobb Drive and Concord Road, The Crossings mixed-use redevelopment is proceeding, Hall said. It will include a Kroger grocery store, though part of the existing building will be demolished.

Matt Powell, who works at the Bank of North Georgia's Smyrna branch and has lived in the city for eight years, said he has seen a positive transformation on the south side of the city, but that he would like to see more opportunities for young professionals.

"There is a lot that the city offers exclusively to the senior citizens, which is great, but I would like to see equal attention to the younger demographics because they're really the ones who are looking for a place to settle in and start their families," Powell said.

Rhenna Rice of Vinings Mortgage, who is also a Smyrna resident, agreed.

"Young people are already drawn to Smyrna because of the city's new parks, concerts, and the market village has done wonders. A lot of businesses would like to see those local attractions continue to grow so that these people feel welcome and live and shop here," Rice said.

Hall also discussed how various age groups will impact the city in the future, from the growing population of senior citizens to today's teenagers and young adults, known as generation Y.

"The baby boomers nurtured and pampered their kids, trying to give them more than maybe they were given growing up. These kids, in generations X and Y, like a challenge, are team-oriented as many grew up playing sports or team activities, don't see hierarchies as determinants of how they should be treated, are socially conscious and like feedback. You should understand them and be aware of these things, because they are the ones you'll be hiring and selling to in the future," Hall said.

She added that convenient developments, such as social, retail and activity centers, will become key to population growths as the younger generations prefer to live near hubs where they can walk to the places they need to go.

Ryan Hooks, of the accounting firm of Allison Hooks, said he is frustrated that Jonquil Village remains stalled.

"I understand why with the way the economy is," Hooks said. "It seems like it may take some time for it to get up and running. But I'd love to see it finished, and the other developments that are put on hold, because I think they'll all make Smyrna more attractive."

Hooks also said that he would like to see more redevelopment in the lower quality areas of Smyrna to make the areas more stable and business-friendly. "Atlanta Road to Concord outwards is really seeing growth, so as an area businessman, I think we can do more of that because making those areas better only helps the city's businesses and residents," Hooks said.