During Monday’s marathon Atlanta City Council meeting (it clocked in at around 6 hours), a 14-0 vote officially created a Turner Field redevelopment task force. The legislation was sponsored by Councilwoman Carla Smith, whose district includes The Ted. The task force is charged with creating recommendations for residential, commercial and transportation options for the 60-acre parcel once the Atlanta Braves depart in 2017 for a new stadium in Cobb County.
Last month, Mayor Kasim Reed said Turner Field would be demolished to make way for a mixed-use development that he hoped would mirror nearby Glenwood Park, with its mix of small businesses, restaurants and homes.
The 20-member task force will be chaired by Smith and include representatives from the surrounding neighborhoods, including Peoplestown, Mechanicsville, Summerhill and Grant Park and even a representative from the Braves. The city council will confirm the board within 60 days so meetings can begin early in the new year.
