“For nearly 50 years, the Braves have called Atlanta home. They have begun the process to build a new stadium with hopes that the Braves will open the doors to a new world-class ballpark by Opening Day 2017, and will begin the latest chapter in their history. Their new home will feature entertainment options, green space and a place to go 365 days a year. Though they will be in a new ballpark, they will continue to be your Atlanta Braves.” – http://www.homeofthebraves.com
If you live in Cobb County, you may hear various views on whether or not a case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) is at work. Some would argue that taxpayer approval should have been received before issuing up to $397 million in bonds to pay the public share of the stadium construction; especially since many believe the stadium project is an improper use of public tax money for a private facility where the Braves reap all the benefits of the agreement. On top of that, to pay off the bonds, county officials plan to raise the cash from property, transportation, and community improvement district taxes.
Sure, no one wants higher property taxes…but, is the stadium all bad?? Could the stadium actually be what the northwest market needs to bring new life and energy to the area? The energy and activity surrounding the Braves stadium will spur denser and more diverse development such as office/retail/residential mixed-use projects, and initiate an urbanization of the northwest market.
Building the Braves stadium in Cobb County could actually mean an increase in property value! And, at the end of the day, isn’t that what every hardworking homeowner wants? Of course, no one gets something for nothing. Increased property values could actually justify those increased property tax rates. For a full report of the impact of the Braves Stadium on the Cobb County area by Cushman & Wakefield, click here.
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