Soccer field deal between Atlanta United and DeKalb debated

Supporters and opponents of a proposed $30 million soccer complex in DeKalb County are debating whether it’s a good deal for taxpayers before Tuesday’s vote on the plan.

The county is pitching the project's benefits to the community beyond serving as practice fields for Atlanta United FC, with the ability to host major youth soccer tournaments, other sporting events and school graduations.

But critics of the plan, which costs an estimated $12 million in taxpayer money, say it's little more than a government handout that will do little to revitalize the central DeKalb area along Memorial Drive near Interstate 285.

The DeKalb Commission is scheduled to vote Tuesday on an agreement for the team, which is owned by Arthur Blank, to build the facilities.

The complex would include a 3,500-seat stadium and three soccer fields in its first phase of construction, with the possibility for an indoor training facility and four additional fields to come later.

It could be used to host the U.S. Youth Soccer Georgia State Cup, the U.S. Youth Soccer Regional Tournament and the U.S. Youth President’s Cup, according to a fact sheet distributed by DeKalb. Other sports also could be played there, including lacrosse, rugby, field hockey, kickball and Ultimate Frisbee.

“The influx of activity will spur tourism to the area, which contributes to commercial and retail growth in the Memorial Drive corridor,” said the fact sheet.

Opponents of the deal say it will drain taxpayer money, lets Atlanta United use the facilities tax-free and includes the possibility of state tax credits worth up to $3,500 per job created. Atlanta United expects to employ 123 people on the site by 2018, with an annual payroll of $19.2 million.

In addition, if voters approve a 1 percent sales tax increase in March for infrastructure and property tax relief, the county would propose using a portion of the infrastructure funding for a pedestrian walkway to the Kensington MARTA station, according to the memorandum of understanding with the team.

“We’re giving away the house,” said Commissioner Kathie Gannon. “It’s like someone has a dream and they have a checkbook of taxpayer dollars. It doesn’t correlate to community needs.”

The team would play its games in downtown Atlanta’s new stadium, which will also be used by the Falcons.

Additional details of the deal: