Tuesday, January 9, 2024–12:02 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome City Commission has approved the North Broad redevelopment plan and the first Tax Allocation District in that area.
The boundaries for the North Broad Redevelopment Corridor consist of more than 1,700 parcels, and a smaller area consisting of 22 parcels will be the next TAD.
“What that will allow for is projects within this smaller footprint,” said Rome City Manager Sammy Rich. “As we have discussed previously, there is an existing hotel project that has specifically expressed interest in requesting TAD assistance. They think they can make that project come to fruition if they have TAD access. Of course, this gives them the opportunity to apply moving forward.”
The project is the proposed Hilton Home2 Suites, which would be adjacent to The Varsity which is currently under construction.
The City of Rome has been working with its consultant, the KB Group, for several months on the plan, which has evolved during that time. Initially, a Tax Allocation District was envisioned for an area from CVS on Turner McCall, northward to North Avenue, and east to Gibbons Street. However, it was determined to be too large and complex, making it much more difficult for city staff to keep track of. So, it was decided it would be less complicated to have a large redevelopment area that would include smaller TAD areas.
The commission vote on the TAD was split 4-4 with Mayor McDaniel breaking the tie by voting in favor.
Commissioners Harry Brock and Mark Cochran were both “no” votes.
“I would just say, as I talked about in caucus, the way this is presented by KB Advisory Group and these 22 units, I just can’t support it,” Brock said.
“I’m going to have to agree with Commissioner Brock, with one exception,” Cochran said. “I wish it were broader. So, I understand his concerns, and I agree with him.”
Commissioners Elaina Beeman and Bill Collins also voted against.
Under a TAD, any increase in property taxes stemming from improvements would be funneled back into the project for a set number of years.
