Details Still Emerging About Braves Relocation Deal

The Braves and Cobb officials aren’t confirming it, but the county’s share of the $672 million stadium project is said to be roughly $450 million.

Cobb Chief Financial Officer Jim Pehrson said a framework is in place but specifics are still being worked out. He said it’ll be worth whatever it is.

“You’re going to have how many people come through for games and additional hotel nights, probably in Cobb County for the hotel-motel tax. You’re going to have spending, restaurants, businesses around there, and more jobs and you have the halo effect of any type of development. Property values may increase. That’s just speculation but I think there’s going to be some added development,” said Pehrson.

He didn’t say where the public funds would come from, but ruled out the county’s hotel-motel tax and SPLOST (special purpose local options sales tax) revenue streams. The stadium will be located in the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), which has its own taxing mechanism. Pehrson said the Cumberland CID will be “a major player” in funding the deal, along with the Atlanta Braves.   

According to county officials, Cobb’s Board of Commissioners will vote on a detailed financing agreement November 26. Pehrson couldn’t say whether the public would get a chance to see the agreement before then.

Lance Lamberton, who heads the Cobb Taxpayers Association, anticipates major pushback from the community.

“Private, for-profit organizations should not rely on taxpayer public funds to be used to fund their enterprises,” said Lamberton.

Meanwhile, Atlantans are still grappling with the news.

Mary Norwood was just elected back to her old City Council seat.

“I’m stunned. Even during all the campaign, there was just no information that this may be happening,” said Norwood.

City Councilwoman Carla Smith, whose district includes Turner Field, said she was completely left out of negotiations that failed between the Braves and the city.

“We’re in denial, we’re frustrated, we’re angry, we’re saddened. We’re all…we don’t even know what direction to turn,” said Smith.

She’s afraid Turner Field will become a ghost town. 

“If this is actually happening, there’s going to be a big hole there. It’s just really disappointing.”

In a written statement, Mayor Kasim Reed wished the Braves well and said he’s eager to work with organizations interested in redeveloping the Turner Field corridor.

Reed is holding a press conference tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. to address the move. Also, the Cobb Commission is scheduled to meet in the morning, but no word whether the Braves deal will be discussed.