Old GM plant redevelopment helped along by tax breaks

The redevelopment of the old General Motors plant in Doraville is moving forward with the help of tens of millions of dollars in property tax breaks.

The tax breaks would help pay for a $60 million tunnel and street connecting the walled-off site to the Doraville MARTA station. Developers say the concourse to MARTA is critical to attracting businesses to the area.

The use of tax money for the site was approved by the Doraville Downtown Development Authority on Tuesday night even though the DeKalb school board hasn't agreed to financially support the project. Development authorities in Georgia have the power to divert tax money to promote business growth.