State grants DeKalb extension for GM plant project

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

DeKalb County has a little more time to finalize details for the redevelopment of the vacant GM plant in Doraville.

On Friday, the state Department of Community Affairs approved an extension to its deadline for DeKalb to apply for $36 million in federal stimulus bonds for the GM project, said Bobby Stevens, the state’s bond allocation manager. The deadline was Wednesday. It is now August 31.

County officials hope to use the $36 million to purchase a portion of the 165-acre plant. The county is working with Orlando-based developer New Broad Street to build a mix of retail, office space and housing units.

County commissioners and Doraville city officials have said they are reluctant to approve the project because the current plan calls for tax money to be used to cover debt service for the redevelopment.

CEO Burrell Ellis has said the project would bring jobs and economic development to DeKalb.