Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) Economic Development Department and the Mall Area Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will host two open house sessions and an online survey during July for residents to provide input on items they would like to see constructed within the TAD boundaries.

The open house sessions will take place on Thursday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 23, both from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Extension Office (275 Cleveland Road). Light refreshments will be provided. Residents can drop in anytime during the open houses to learn more about the TAD process and provide input on ideas for community improvements.

An online survey will be available at www.accgov.com/tads through Wednesday, July 31 for those who cannot attend the sessions. Additional outreach will also take place in the Atlanta Highway / Mall area with organizations, businesses, and residents.

A Tax Allocation District (TAD) is a redevelopment tool that uses the increased property taxes generated by new development in a designated area to finance costs related to development. These costs might include, but are not limited to, public infrastructure, demolition, utilities, and planning costs.

On November 10, 2020, the Mayor & Commission adopted redevelopment plans to establish six tax allocation districts across Athens-Clarke County. Additional information about all six TADS, including maps, is available at www.accgov.com/tads.

The Mall Area TAD consists of 181 property parcels totaling 189.5 acres, with boundaries centering upon Georgia Square Mall and surrounding commercial areas along Atlanta Highway. The TAD is bordered by Jennings Mill Parkway to the south, Mill Center Boulevard and Cleveland Road to the west, residential subdivisions off Huntington Road and W. Huntington Road to the north, and Huntington Road to the east.

For more information about the Mall Area TAD public input, visit www.accgov.com/tads or contact Ilka McConnell with the ACCGov Economic Development Department at Ilka.McConnell@accgov.com.