If the Atlanta Falcons have to look to the suburbs for a place to move the Georgia Dome, they can cross Doraville off the list. The old GM plant in Doraville has been the most talked-about alternative for a potential stadium outside the city, but the mayor says "no thanks."
The 165-acre property has plenty of room for parking, and there is infrastructure that includes highway access. But Mayor Donna Pittman says it's not what residents want-- so her answer is no.
Pittman told FOX 5 the site is a prime investment spot that would be wasted on a new stadium.
"I respect the thoughts of my citizens, and we have to listen to what they say, and they came out again with a resounding no. This is not something they wanted," said Pittman.
Doraville residents voted previously when a developer floated the idea of a stadium being put on the site back in 2009. Pittman says the cost outweighs the benefit, and the city's goals and plans for the site have a catalyst for revitalization-- something she says she heard council members say they didn't see a stadium doing.
Pittman says she things what the city and region need most is jobs-- high-tech, year-round jobs.
"We listen and we respect our citizens, and unless they've changed their opinion since 2009-- and from what I'm hearing, they have not," she said.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta City Council will take up the stadium issue again on Wednesday. That meeting happens at 11:30 a.m. at Atlanta City Hall, and it is open to the public.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The old GM plant in Doraville has been the most talked-about alternative for a potential stadium outside the city, but the mayor says "no thanks."
