Reed Talks Braves and Falcons Moves, Says Developers Interested in Turner Field

Meanwhile, Reed said he supports recently approved legislation that creates a committee to help draft a new redevelopment plan for the area.

“It’s really going to be focused on community engagement and make sure we plan with the community, not on them,” said Reed.

The committee aims to complete a new Turner Field redevelopment plan by next summer.

Meanwhile, related to the proposed new Atlanta Falcons stadium, Reed said he’ll sign into law the community benefit plan approved last night 14-0 by the Atlanta City Council.

The plan lays out a broad framework on how to divvy up $30 million in redevelopment money for the struggling neighborhoods surrounding the stadium.

The city isn’t allowed to issue $200 million in taxpayer-backed bonds to help with stadium construction until the community benefits plan is finalized.

“I’m happy. We have a really aggressive construction schedule and I haven’t made a secret the amount of energy this has taken from the administration,” said Reed.

He responded to critics who say the community benefits process was flawed and doesn’t have enough community buy-in.

“There were 20 meetings related to this process and I would challenge anyone who questions our transparency to show me someone who’s more transparent than we’ve been,” said Reed.

Construction on the new Falcons stadium will begin in the spring and is set to wrap up by summer 2017.