Sarah Sims
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz says he feels confident and optimistic about the local government moving forward with the multi-million dollar redevelopment project at Georgia Square Mall.
Girtz spoke publicly at a news conference held at the University of Georgia for the first time since last Tuesday’s commission meeting, which ended up tabling the vote for the redevelopment plan. The next meeting will be held on March 7.
ACC has seen the biggest swing in housing inventory of any metro in America. In 2012 Athens had a a 12.0% surplus, but as of 2019, Athens had a deficit of 2.4%, according to an article in the New York Times. This housing crisis raises questions about what is next for ACC and how this redevelopment plan can “magnetize the west side” for Athens, Girtz said.
The redevelopment plan will encompass approximately 1,200 houses, public transit, retailers, trails and open greenery for live music and hangouts. However, only 10% of the rentals will be affordable for citizens that make around $45,000 a year.
The local government is using the Tax Allocation District to help fund the project with $189 million dollars in tax revenue. That property tax will potentially be flowing back into the property over the next three decades, which would be a long-term investment for ACC, said Girtz. In addition, this redevelopment would create an emerging partnership between the Clarke County School District and the ACC.
Right now, ACC though there is limited shelter and housing for families and usually, these homeless shelters can serve 86 families, according to Housing Inventory Count and Point-in-Time Count Report. Girtz elaborates on relief to the homeless, such as Cloudburst, a homeless strategic action group out of Washington, D.C., new developments north of $400 million private dollars, first step structure, crisis stabilization beds and homeless tent camps.
Girtz addressed what will happen to retailers within the Georgia Square Mall: The businesses within the mall can return to the updated area.
The socioeconomic tension within ACC is something that Girtz is working on bridging to bring people together.
Girtz says,” I really believe in integrated environments, that when you get people from lots of different backgrounds in a place, that benefits everybody.”
Girtz will be hosting a public input session on March 2 and communicating with the local government, school district and citizens. Girtz remains hopeful that the third time will be the charm for the vote to approve the redevelopment plan.
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Why I Wrote the Story:
I wrote this story in order to address the redevelopment plan of the Georgia Square Mall in Athens, Georgia while Mayor Kelly Girtz addressed these issues. I learned how to cover a news conference and find the correct facts.