Snellville DDA Acquires Land to Help Accelerate Redevelopment of the Town Center
On July 1st, the Snellville Downtown Development Authority became the owner of land tracts formerly own as the” Spohn Property”. The transaction followed a purchase by the City of Snellville aimed toward accelerating redevelopment of the Town Center. In a June 29th special called meeting of the DDA, closing documents were discussed, reviewed, and acted upon by the 6 person body. Financing was obtained and a pass through agreement now exists allowing the DDA and City to approach potential developers in a “two prong approach”.
“This is a textbook example of Mayor and Council using a development entity to increase options” said Chairman Jimmy Norton. “This is not our first land transaction with the City; just our most recent”. In 2005 the DDA quickly sold the “Old Snellville Police Department” property after the City suffered three unsuccessful closings using bid procedures. That property was consequently redeveloped into Professional Office Condos, which added jobs and tax revenue to Snellville. A perhaps more potent outcome will be expected on this site.
Following the development of a new Town Center concept, the property located on Wisteria was deemed pivotal to plan implementation. The DDA has recently paid for Development Concepts that included concepts for re-development and roadway integration of the Snellville Oaks and Wisteria Village shopping centers. “We are simply putting pieces in place to accelerate quality growth in Snellville” said Treasurer Cecil Sellers. “I live and work here with my family, so naturally I’m optimistic”.