Atlanta Mayor Delays Redevelopment Of The Gulch In Downtown

ATLANTA, GA -- Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Monday she is tabling her administration's plans for developing the Gulch in downtown so the city council can further study her plans. Last week, Bottoms' announced the city had reached a proposed agreement with CIM Spring St. for the Gulch's development, which would have required approval from the city council. The agreement includes both the exchange of real property and numerous public purpose initiatives that support the city’s goals with regard to affordable housing, public safety and economic development.

But on Monday, Bottoms issued the following statement:

“For the past several months, members of my Administration have been working to finalize a deal to redevelop the Gulch area in downtown Atlanta. We have negotiated an unprecedented deal that will transform a 40-acre hole in the ground and make tens of millions in significant investments in other parts of our city related to affordability, equity, and opportunity. We recognize and respect that members of Council, and the public, need more time to understand the largest development deal in our city’s history. I have no intention of asking the authors of these proposals to request a vote on these proposals today. Members of my Administration will continue to work with members of Council and the public to better understand the substantial benefits we have negotiated and the benefits this project will bring to our entire city.”

When she announced the agreement last week, Bottoms said, “This proposed agreement with CIM represents a once in a lifetime chance to bring much needed investment and redevelopment to the heart of downtown Atlanta. The planned development will not only increase the city’s tax base and help to attract new employers, it will bring us closer to our vision for One Atlanta through a number of significant investments. I am hopeful that the members of the City Council will support this exciting and transformative opportunity for Atlanta.”

Image courtesy mayor's office