A proposed deal for practice soccer fields and a corporate headquarters for Atlanta United FC would cost DeKalb County an estimated $12 million, 41 acres of government land and tax considerations, according to a pending agreement.
The $30 million soccer complex would be built near the intersection of Interstate 285 and Memorial Drive, behind the DeKalb Jail.
In exchange, the team owned by Arthur Blank would build a 3,500-seat stadium, three outdoor practice fields and a corporate headquarters. Additional fields and an indoor training facility could be built later. Ownership of the land and facilities would revert to the county after 30 years.
The proposed agreement, obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday, is scheduled for a vote of the DeKalb Commission on Tuesday.
The $12 million contribution from the county includes an estimated $7 million paid to Blank so the county could locate its parks department in new offices in the stadium. Another estimated $5 million would be required for demolition and land preparation.
In addition, Blank won’t have to pay property taxes, and all permitting fees for the soccer complex would be waived.
The county would pursue funding for a pedestrian walkway from the complex to the Kensington MARTA station.
Blank would pay the county 15 percent of revenue for naming rights and branded events held at the complex.
The fields and the stadium could be used by the county when they’re not needed by Atlanta United, which will begin its first season in 2017.
Atlanta United will share space with the Atlanta Falcons for its games in a new downtown stadium, which is under construction.
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