The ongoing investigations into DeKalb County’s government aren’t dampening Atlanta United’s efforts to build a headquarters and training ground near Memorial Drive.
The team is going through due diligence on the 41 acres of land donated by DeKalb for a $35 million complex that will include the Major League Soccer team’s offices, a 3,500 stadium and several fields. It is expected to be completed before team begins play in 2017.
In the agreement, announced on Aug. 4, DeKalb County will contribute $12 million — $ 7 million in leased office space and $5 million in land preparation. Atlanta United won’t pay property taxes on the parcel for 30 years.
However, investigations of government corruption allegations in DeKalb County are ongoing by agencies including the FBI and local prosecutors.
The county received search warrants this week for emails sent between Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May and two former county officials. Meanwhile, an outside investigation led by former Georgia Attorney General Mike Bowers is expected to deliver its findings next month.
Several government officials have already been found guilty of various crimes, including suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, former Commissioner Elaine Boyer and former schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis.
An Atlanta United spokeswoman on Thursday said they had no comment on the investigation because it is ongoing.
A final contract between the team and the county hasn’t been signed. The parties have 60 days from around early August to do so. The spokeswoman said the due diligence on the land needs to be completed before contracts are signed.
About the Author
