Construction of a $5 million aviation-themed cultural center, once a contentious project that riled North Fulton leaders, is back on track at Fulton County Airport-Charlie Brown Field. At issue now is how cash-strapped Fulton County will pay for operating costs after it opens.
The County Commission last week approved a contract with Atlanta-based SoCo Contracting Company, and work could begin by the end of this month.
The facility will be built along Fulton Industrial Boulevard with federal stimulus bond funds and will cost an estimated $350,000 per year to staff and run.
County leaders are already trying to figure out where they will get an estimated $8 million per year to operate eight new libraries opening in 2014 and 2015, which voters approved building in a 2008 bond referendum.
They’re also grappling with a diminishing reserve fund and the possibility that GOP state legislation coming back up next year could lead to a doubling of the county’s homestead exemption, cutting into revenues by $48 million.
“I think that’s a potential problem,” North Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann said of the added operating costs, “especially with all the libraries coming on line.”
At one time, county leaders envisioned an airport museum honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, the World War II black fighter squadron. The project, now termed the Aviation Community Cultural Center, has since been scaled back significantly, evolving into a community gathering place similar to the nearby Southwest Arts Center or the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs.
Much of the derision abated during a year-long delay, caused by soil having to be cleared of rocks and troubles finding a qualified bidder. Commissioner Tom Lowe used to be a critic, saying the county couldn’t afford to maintain a museum and that the site sits too close to the airport runway to be successful.
But last week he made the motion to approve the construction contract. He said the project’s champion, Commissioner Emma Darnell, has the needed four votes and that he understands her desire to invest in the community near the warehouse district.
“Darnell’s got the votes to build the Taj Mahal, if she wants, at the end of that runway,” said Lowe, who represents north Atlanta, Sandy Springs and part of Roswell. “I wouldn’t make a symbolic gesture against her at this point.”
Darnell did not return messages seeking comment on the project.
No one dissented, though Hausmann didn’t vote. Interim County Manager David Ware had no answer when she asked him how much the center will cost to run, but officials later confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it’s $350,000 per year.
By comparison, the Abernathy Arts Center is budgeted this year at about $298,000 and the Southwest Arts Center is budgeted at almost $596,000.
South Fulton Commissioner Bill Edwards said the county will find the extra money.
“We’ve come a long way with that project,” Edwards said, “and the community has been working to make that project a reality for more than 10 years.”
The cultural center would likely open in March or April of next year, according to Facilities and Transportation Director David Ricks.
Planners have said the building will have meeting rooms, performance space and classrooms, providing a place for children’s summer programs and field trips, and exposing them to possible careers in aviation.
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