Stadium Site Now In The Hands of Church Congregations

The upcoming votes will likely be the final steps in what has been a lengthy and controversial process.

This Sunday, as church service ended and football fans tailgated nearby, congregants of Mt. Vernon Baptist and Friendship Baptist mostly declined comment.

Among those willing to talk, Mt. Vernon churchgoer Kelvin Ellis said he and others were still searching for answers about the $14.5 million offer announced a few days ago.

“We’re still praying and it’s going to come to us. We’re trying to reach for the answers and the only way we’re being taught is by prayer. That’s what our pastor wants us to do.”

The congregation votes Thursday. If approved, the church would get about $8 million from the Falcons and $6 million from the state.

Another Mt. Vernon churchgoer who didn’t want to give her name hopes the deal is approved.

“I think we should move. I just feel like we should move.”

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who led efforts to strike the deal with church leaders, vowed Friday to help Mt. Vernon relocate and remain an active community presence.

Meanwhile, Friendship Baptist board chair Lloyd Hawk said his congregation would vote on its $19.5 million offer next weekend.

“It really is going to be a discussion and debate of the congregation looking at the pros and the cons, the various scenarios involved, and as a Baptist church, the congregation will make that final decision.”

With that said, Hawk said approving the offer would be a good move for the historic church.

“If we did not feel that this was a deal that was in the best interest of the church, then we never would’ve reached an agreement with the city or the Falcons. So obviously as a person who has spearheaded that negotiation, I do feel that it is something in the best interest of the church and the community.”

Neither the Falcons, nor the mayor’s office have been invited to participate in the church’s final discussion of the deal next weekend.