Fulton County officials may reassert their right to have a say in ongoing negotiations over what happens to Turner Field after the Braves depart for Cobb County. But first they’ll have to decide how to assert themselves.
On Wednesday the Fulton Board of Commissioners tabled a resolution supporting a “cooperative effort with the City of Atlanta” to explore the fate of Turner Field after the Braves leave in two years. The resolution calls for the establishment of a joint committee to explore options for the 77-acre stadium site. And it says the county’s consent is needed for any eventual deal regarding the use or demolition of Turner Field, which is co-owned by Atlanta and Fulton County.
Commissioners postponed action on the measure after some questioned the need for a new committee. Commissioner Joan Garner noted she already serves on a Turner Field task force.
Chairman John Eaves, who proposed the joint committee, said he would revise the proposal and bring it back in two weeks.
Anne Torres, a spokeswoman for Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, said the mayor is “open to considering any proposals put forward by Fulton County or community members.”
The proposed resolution is the latest sign that some Fulton officials aren’t happy that Reed has not consulted them as he tries to sell the baseball stadium. The mayor’s office has been negotiating with Georgia State University and at least two private developers.
In an Oct. 28 letter to Reed and others, Eaves asked to be included in any future negotiations over the stadium’s fate. But the mayor does not seem inclined to relinquish control.
Reed recently said he’d be glad to chat with Eaves as a courtesy. But the mayor maintains the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority board has the final say about stadium’s future. And the mayor pointedly said Atlanta controls the majority of seats on the board.
A few days later, Reed announced Turner Field could be “sold very soon.”
About the Author
