Old GM plant rejuvenation plans in doubt
Developers trying to transform the shuttered Doraville General Motors factory from a heap of rubble to a vibrant mini-city are warning that their plans will have to be scaled back unless the county school board signs on.
Even without the county school system's financial backing, the project could still end up receiving tax money to help fund needed infrastructure improvements on the site.
DeKalb education leaders have said they want their resources dedicated more directly toward students instead of economic development.
But developers say the school system would come out ahead in the long run if it agrees to participate in a financing plan that preserves the current tax base while using expected growth in tax collections to fund a pathway to MARTA, street construction and sewer lines.
About the Author
Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.
