Lilburn’s plan for a recreational sports park with a $20 million price tag might be viable, given the interest in travel ball leagues across metro Atlanta.
That's one finding of an independent marketing analysis comparing metro Atlanta to the Dallas, Phoenix and Las Vegas areas -- the sites of Big League Dreams Sports Parks similar to what's being proposed in the Gwinnett city.
"As I suspected, the market analysis is very good here," City Manager Bill Johnsa told city leaders and Downtown Development Authority members Tuesday night. "The area is a hotbed for sports."
The research comes as Lilburn weighs constructing a baseball and softball complex in partnership with Big League Dreams, an operator of youth and adult facilities that host travel teams.
City leaders believe the park will transform the quiet city of 11,500 into a thriving destination for businesses and event-goers. But some residents say the city is risking taxpayer money at the wrong time.
The preliminary study by Parsons Brinckerhoff will be presented to the public at 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 76 Main St.
Among its findings:
- Gwinnett County youth participate in recreational baseball and softball at a higher rate than regional and national averages.
- Metro Atlanta ranks number one and two, respectively, among comparable cities in the number of youth baseball and softball players.
- Five similar facilities exist within 15 miles of Lilburn.
What won't be presented Thursday are results of a financial study of possible revenue sources and the potential economic impact. The city expects those results in a week, Johnsa said.
DDA member Elmer Nash said the city is dreaming too big amid tough economic times.
"I think it's a train wreck waiting to happen," Nash said. "For Big League Dreams, it's a wonderful business model. But from the city standpoint, it's not a great deal."
Other city officials, including Councilman Tim Dunn, are "cautiously optimistic" the complex could spur economic growth.
"We're taking it a step at a time," Dunn said. "There is a cost of doing nothing."
The City Council has taken one step already. Last month, it entered into a license fee agreement that permits the city to pore over the California-based company's financial records. Lilburn can back out of the $450,000 deal within 18 months.
To pay for the 40-acre complex, which would likely be at Indian Trail Road and U.S. 29, the city is looking to form a tax allocation district and issue revenue bonds.
Early estimates show the city could owe $850,000 to $1.1 million a year over 30 years. The city could collect $400,000 from a revenue-sharing agreement with Big League Dreams, and the rest would come from excise taxes, hotel/motel taxes and, possibly, increased property taxes, city officials said.
That doesn't sit well with longtime resident Myrna Caudill.
"It's really over our heads, and I don't think it will bring in what they they think it will," Caudill said.
Resident Michael Taylor supports the project, even with the potential for a tax hike.
"If we don't take advantage of this opportunity," he said, "Lilburn is going to be another city people drive by without stopping."
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