Q&A on the News

Justin Ross Harris defense attorney’s Bryan Lumpkin (left) and H. Maddox Kilgore (right) talk in court before the jury watches a surveillance video from the Home Depot parking in Ross’ murder trial, Thursday, Nov. 10, in Brunswick, Ga. (Stephen B. Morton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

Justin Ross Harris defense attorney’s Bryan Lumpkin (left) and H. Maddox Kilgore (right) talk in court before the jury watches a surveillance video from the Home Depot parking in Ross’ murder trial, Thursday, Nov. 10, in Brunswick, Ga. (Stephen B. Morton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

Q: In February of this year there was a lot of talk of plans to build a $300 million, “experiential, mixed-use development” at the southwest intersection of Jodeco Road and Interstate 75. Plans were to begin construction in the later part of 2016, with initial tenants opening doors in 2017. Has construction begun on this project?

— David Vetula, Locust Grove

A: Construction on Jodeco Atlanta South, a $300 million development, is scheduled to begin early next year.

The project is still in the zoning process, Stockbridge City Manager Michael Harris told Q&A on the News in an email.

Phase 1 will include Cabela’s, an outdoors store.

Jodeco Atlanta South also will feature 500,000 of retail space, about 600 homes, two hotels, restaurants and outdoor amenities, including an amphitheater, wetlands and bike paths.

Q: The defense team for the Ross Harris trial has worked for over two years on this case. Who is paying them?

— Liza Avery, Marietta

A: Harris originally hired his attorneys, but later couldn't afford them and they were appointed by the court.

His defense team included Maddox Kilgore and Carlos Rodriguez, who are partners at Kilgore & Rodriguez, a Marietta firm, and Bryan Lumpkin, who also has a Marietta practice.

Harris was sentenced to life without parole on Dec. 5, three weeks after being convicted in the June 2014 hot car death of his son, Cooper, who was 22 months old.

Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; AJC staff writer Christian Boone contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).