Education
Education

DeKalb schools cautious about giving up school taxes for development

By Marlon A. Walker
May 26, 2016

Business interests, as well as the City of Doraville and DeKalb County, hope the 100-plus acre former GM site will be redeveloped by one of Georgia's premier deal-makers. But The DeKalb School Board holds the key to whether or not the deal goes through.

The school board must approve a plan that will limit its tax take from the property for 25 years, while new taxes created by the development go to help the developer, by paying for infrastructure the site needs, such as sewers.

Most school board members and Superintendent Steve Green have balked on the reshuffling of taxes, called a tax allocation district, but they are listening to some presentations as the developer says a deadline for an approval is ticking closer.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

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