New Theatre Gets Incentive Package From Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The Sandy Springs City Council at its Jan. 16 meeting approved an economic incentive request from a company seeking to upgrade an older movie theatre along Roswell Road.

City leaders unanimously voted to approve waiving building permit fees and three years' worth of business license fees for The Springs Cinema and Taphouse, which is operating in space formerly held by LeFont Theatre. The value of the incentives comes out to $11,290, city documents show.

LeFont Theatre at 5920 Roswell Road was bought out by BHG Properties, which is working on plans to renovate and overhaul the look and operations at the theatre.

The facility, according to the city, "has fallen into a state of disrepair," and its owners are planning to spend $1.5 million in improvements. BHG Properties also plans to commit to a 15-year lease at the 34,000-square-foot location, and plans to hire 17 new people for operations at The Springs Cinema.

City Councilman Tibby DeJulio asked if the company plans to bring on more people to join the lineup of current employees. Sandy Springs Economic Development Director Andrea Worthy said the plans are for the company to start over and require current employees to go through the hiring process.

City Councilman Andy Bauman said the city has done several incentives similar to this one during his five years serving District 6, but added this proposal was special to the community.

"This one really touches the public in many ways, so this is an exciting one," he said, adding he was glad to see they are planning to renovate the facility.

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