Henry County touts mixed-use plan that includes convention center

The Henry County proposal that includes a convention center and an arena will be considered for rezoning in May.

The Henry County proposal that includes a convention center and an arena will be considered for rezoning in May.

Henry County government officials announced April 8 a public-private partnership through which a developer has agreed to donate 80 acres along the east side of I-75 between I-675 and Walt Stephens Road. The county intends to build a convention center there.

A preliminary site plan shows a 10,000-seat arena as part of that center. A memorandum of understanding and a feasibility study are in the works. The developer plans to include retail, restaurants and hotels adjacent to the expressway along with various single-family and multi-family residential options in the interior of the property.

The new project is scheduled to be heard at the May 9 Zoning Advisory Board meeting for approval of the zoning. After a notice of decision regarding the DRI is made, it will go to the Henry County Board of Commissioners for a final decision.