Marietta council approves landscaping deal with Atlanta United FC

The Marietta city council Wednesday approved a landscaping deal with Atlanta United FC, Arthur Blank’s Major League Soccer team that plans on building its headquarters, training facility and six lighted practice field on Franklin Road.

The city is expected to vote on a lease agreement with the team at the end of the month. Here's a look at highlights of the lease, as outlined in a preliminary agreement, approved by the city in November.

• The city will provide 32 acres free of buildings and debris and with all utility hookups

• Atlanta United FC will "use its best efforts" to invest at least $40 million on its headquarters, training facility and six lighted fields

• Team will pay rent of $1 per year for the first 10 years; $320,000 per year for years 21-30, with an agreed upon CPI increase capped at 4 percent starting in year 12

• Team will lease the land for 20 years, with allowance for two 5-year extensions at the team's discretion

• City will own all land and improvements when the lease is terminated but will not be responsible for any development costs

• City will develop three additional lighted multipurpose fields and on-site parking adjacent to the facility

• Construction begins Jan. 1, 2016; facility opens in early 2017

• The team will retain all revenues and be responsible for all expenses

• City agrees to use best efforts to help the team receive a 10-year property tax abatement, receding from a 100-percent abatement in the first year to a 10-percent abatement in year 10.

• Cobb County Development Authority will offset development costs in the amount of $50,000.