Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Cobb, Braves meet Tuesday over $14 million dispute at SunTrust Park

The elevated walkway over Windy Ridge Parkway to SunTrust Park is under construction and is one of the projects for which the Braves are seeking reimbursement from Cobb taxpayers. There is an on-going dispute between the county and Braves as to whether taxpayers are responsible for roads, bridges and other pedestrian improvements in and around the SunTrust Park development. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
The elevated walkway over Windy Ridge Parkway to SunTrust Park is under construction and is one of the projects for which the Braves are seeking reimbursement from Cobb taxpayers. There is an on-going dispute between the county and Braves as to whether taxpayers are responsible for roads, bridges and other pedestrian improvements in and around the SunTrust Park development. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
By and Meris Lutz
Jan 23, 2017

Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce has called for a public discussion Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. over an Atlanta Braves' claim that county taxpayers owe $14 million for roads, bridges and other infrastructure improvements at SunTrust Park.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported today that the Braves are seeking reimbursement for five projects, but Cobb transportation director Jim Wilgus says the county has already spent $69.5 million on infrastructure improvements related to the new stadium and has more than met its public commitment.

Among the major projects for which the Braves seek reimbursement: $5.8 million for public roads inside the development; $5.7 million for pedestrian bridges over two outside roads; and $2.2 million for pedestrian improvements between the stadium and satellite parking lots.

The dispute comes three months before the Braves are scheduled to being playing at the new stadium.

About the Authors

Dan Klepal is editor of the local government team, supervising nine reporters covering county and municipal governments and metro Atlanta. Klepal came to the AJC in 2012, after a long career covering city halls in Cincinnati and Louisville, Ky. He has covered Gwinnett and Cobb counties before spending three years on the investigative team.

Follow Dan Klepal on twitter

Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.

More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Medical Center was a Tenet Healthcare hospital caught up in the federal government's sweeping $400 million kickbacks case against former medical executives. On Thursday, a federal judge in Atlanta permanently ended the case. (Carrie Teegardin/AJC)

Credit: Carrie Teegardin

Judge tosses $400M Atlanta hospital kickbacks case after 8 years

A federal judge in Atlanta has thrown out the largest criminal kickbacks case in Georgia against former medical executives, largely blaming prosecutors for lengthy delays.

37m ago

Embroiled in P-card controversy, South Fulton mayor not seeking reelection

At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, kamau discussed how little he gets paid despite the many demands of the job.

1h ago

Here’s what Piedmont Park’s future will look like

The plan to revitalize Piedmont Park includes a natural amphitheater, a Lake Clara Meer makeover and making sure the park is more accessible to Atlanta Beltline users.

The Latest

Atlanta Medical Center was a Tenet Healthcare hospital caught up in the federal government's sweeping $400 million kickbacks case against former medical executives. On Thursday, a federal judge in Atlanta permanently ended the case. (Carrie Teegardin/AJC)

Credit: Carrie Teegardin

Judge tosses $400M Atlanta hospital kickbacks case after 8 years

37m ago

Embroiled in P-card controversy, South Fulton mayor not seeking reelection

1h ago

Here’s what Piedmont Park’s future will look like

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Stacey Abrams considers third run for governor as some Georgia Democrats move on

Once the unquestioned leader of Georgia Democrats, Stacey Abrams now faces an uncertain political future as she considers a third run for governor.

Orange Crush future in limbo after clash between organizer, trademark owner

The Orange Crush beach bash brought tens of thousands of HBCU students to Georgia's coast, but its future is clouded by a dispute between the trademark owner and organizer.

With midterms looming, Georgia fails to make election security upgrades

Election security proposals stalled in the Georgia General Assembly, leaving the same voting technology in place for the 2026 election. Election advocates say they're worried.