ATHENS-More shopping and other retail options are coming to Athens after the City Council approved three different retail-related projects tonight (Monday, June 6).
During the Athens City Council meeting, the Council discussed and approved agreements with three different developers to bring retail options to Athens. More shopping options is a request City Council members and Mayor Ronnie Marks often hear from citizens.
“We’re a growing community, and as we grow, we’ll see opportunities like this presented to us from developers and companies who have an interest in investing in our city,” Marks said. “Sales tax makes up about 40 percent of our revenue to fund police, fire, sanitation, parks, paving and other services. The more options we can provide in Athens from small business to major chains, the less sales tax dollars leave our city.”
Here is a summary of the three retail projects:
Noon Athens Project
- Store names: TJ Maxx
Old Navy
Ross Dress for Less
Ulta Beauty
Five Below
- Jobs: 125
- Taxable sales: Estimated $20 million annually
- Location: U.S. 72 East near I-65 behind Wendy’s
- Economic development project agreement: After the five stores open, City provides $2 million incentive. After the stores operate one year, City provides $2 million incentive. After the stores have been open two years, the City provides a $2 million incentive.
Ming CRE Group Project
- Store names: Chicken Salad Chick
Ace Hardware
Valvoline
2.5-acre site for additional retail
- Jobs: 165
- Taxable sales: Estimated $6.5 million annually
- Location: U.S. 72 East and Bab Daly Road
- Economic development project agreement: Reimbursement of sales tax generated from the new retail for six years or until $800,000 max is reimbursed, whichever comes first.
- Public infrastructure improvements: New turn lanes on U.S. 72 at entrance and media improvements at Greenfield Drive intersection; new road for U.S. 72 access and internal lots; extension of water, sewer, gas and electric services.
Jack’s Family Restaurants, LP Project
- Store name: Jack’s
- Jobs: 50
- Taxable sales: $1.8 million
- Location: U.S. 72 and Lucas Ferry Road
- Economic development project agreement: Reimbursement of sales tax generated from the new retail for five years or until $200,000 max is reimbursed, whichever comes first.
- Public infrastructure improvements: Extending turn lanes on U.S. 72.
Media Release/Kim Glaze
City of Athens Mayor’s Office
Executive Secretary
