Decatur commissioners are considering approving a portion of east Decatur, properties located between South Columbia Drive and Sams Crossing, as a Tax Allocation District. Commissioners heard a detailed analysis of the TAD during a recent work session and will likely approve the district during their Dec. 21 meeting.
It’s anticipated the TAD will spur re-development in this light industrial area that has mostly remained unchanged for decades.
With a TAD all future property tax increases, instead of going into the city’s general fund, would stay within this district (about 50 acres) and can help pay for future infrastructure improvements and a storm water maintenance facility/pond that the city believes would attract development.
Thirty-five acres in the proposed TAD are owned by the three principal partners who built East Decatur Station.
The timing is right for a TAD, since construction is slated to start next spring on the East College Avenue MARTA parking lot, located within the proposed district. Columbia Ventures is planning a mixed-use project for the site that could include up to 500 apartments, and would add significant value to the district overall.
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