Supporters of a proposed $30 million soccer complex in DeKalb County say it could be a boon for the local economy, but some commissioners are warning that many of their constituents aren’t on board with 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. Some officials say it could also be a catalyst for development of the area near the DeKalb Jail.
But critics of the plan, which would cost an estimated $12 million in taxpayer money, say it's basically 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 that would be used for team practices 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. Atlanta United will be able to use the facilities without having to pay property taxes, and the agreement with the county 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:
- DeKalb would provide 41 acres, and Atlanta United would build the fields and a two-story corporate headquarters.
- DeKalb would pay about $5 million for demolition and land clearing, as well as $7 million so the county could locate its park department in new offices in the stadium.
- Ownership of the facilities would revert to the county after 30 years.
- All permitting fees for the soccer complex would be waived.
- Blank would pay the county 15 percent of revenue for naming rights and branded events held at the complex.
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