Downtown Stockbridge Vision has Apartments and Mixed-Use Buildings

Stockbridge officials are looking to improve their downtown district. The plan calls for apartments and mixed-use buildings. They approved updated renderings for their downtown vision in May.

Stockbridge started work in 2022 to create a tax allocation district. The TAD could help to spur private economic development in downtown. To date, they have not received the county’s approval to create it.

Downtown Stockbridge Vision

Stockbridge approved its plan for a tax allocation district in late 2022. Before it can take effect, they need the county commission and school board’s approval. Stockbridge presented the plan to county commissioners in May 2023. The county took no action on the request at the time.

Stockbridge staff have prepared new renderings to better show the county what its downtown vision entails. The city manager shared the renderings with the Stockbridge council on May 28. The renderings illustrate the following:

• A new 5-story mixed-use building across the street from city hall, overlooking East Atlanta Road and North Henry Blvd,
• A second 3–4 story mixed-use building located to the north along East Atlanta Road, and a parking deck to its immediate north,
• a total of three parking decks to be funded by the city, Stockbridge could invest $30 million into infrastructure as part of the TAD, and
• finally, two-story mixed-use and retail buildings along Burke Street.

Some of the land involved, such as that across from city hall, is owned by the city. They have direct oversight and input how it develops in this case.

Stockbridge Council Remarks

The city’s elected officials shared their remarks about the renderings. Councilwoman Barber, in whose district downtown Stockbridge is located, supported the development of downtown. She asked the city staff to host town hall meetings and Q&A sessions with residents and business owners to discuss the tax allocation district. Barber wanted those most affected by the TAD to be familiar with the city’s plans.

Councilman Alexander remarked the plan is very-high level and more details would follow as the plan progressed. He concurred about Barber’s remarks. Finally, Councilman Thomas requested the full council be in agreement before staff moved forward with the plan.

The city council, in closing, asked staff to schedule upcoming town hall meetings. In addition, the city intends to present the new renderings to the county commissioners. That presentation is not yet scheduled.

About the TAD

A TAD, or tax allocation district, is a redevelopment tool. They can provide financing for upfront capital investment, such as road projects or sewer service, to encourage private redevelopment within an area. There are not presently any active TADs in Henry County.

A TAD is not a tax increase, despite its name. Instead, when properties redevelop, their new higher property values result in contributing more tax revenue. The additional revenue flows into the TAD to pay-off the original capital projects. After all capital projects are paid off, the city can then vote to dissolve the tax allocation district.

The Stockbridge TAD is available to view on the city website (PDF link – 70 pages). The Stockbridge council approved it in November 2022.

Featured image shows the downtown Stockbridge rendering. Stockbridge photo.