Airport Looks at Clayton County Growth

HARTSFIELD-JACKSON IN THE COMMUNITY I

Airport Looks at Clayton County Growth
By DeAllous Smith

A wave of change is spreading throughout Clayton County. The once quiet suburb nestled along Atlanta’s southern borders is home to such powerhouses as AirTran Airways, Macy’s, JC Penny -- and the world’s busiest airport.

To ensure the area’s continued success, Clayton County commissioners led by Chairman Eldrin Bell and the Director of Clayton County Economic Development Robin Roberts have begun meeting with area businesses, community groups and organizations to discuss new initiatives such as special tax allocation districts.

In December, the group, along with members of Clayton County’s Economic Development Alliance, met with Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta and other Airport officials to explore the possibilities of public-private partnerships to spur economic redevelopment in communities throughout the county.

“We are a good neighbor, so it’s important that the Airport explore every opportunity for growth and development with the county,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Walter Vinson. “As more residents move closer to the city form outlying areas, we are witnessing a spike in redevelopment throughout metro Atlanta. From Atlantic Station to Brookhaven, public and private partnerships are progressing forward to address future economic growth and development.”