Turning a new leaf in South DeKalb, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson unveiled the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, an ambitious plan set to reinvigorate the Candler Road area with much-needed amenities including a full-service Publix grocery store and multi-tenant retail space; the project received the full backing of the Board of Commissioners, according to DeKalb County's official announcement. Venturing into this large-scale project, Candler Crossing stands as a testament to Cochran-Johnson's commitment from her time as Commissioner, continuing her pursuit to secure resources for the families she represents.
The Kroger supermarket at Belvedere Plaza recently shut its doors, sparking further urgency for Candler Crossing's completion and the promise of accessible fresh food for the community, this development hits right at the heart of community needs, as during a time when their options for purchasing healthy groceries are dwindling, said Cochran-Johnson in a statement obtained by DeKalb County News. The move promises not just fresh produce but jobs and a revival of the Candler Road corridor as a central hub within the community.
DeKalb County's first Chief Development Officer, Jacob Vallo, emphasized the collaborative effort that transversed various county government departments to bring this vision to reality, with each playing their part in stitching together the tapestry that Candler Crossing is set to become; his remarks, documented by DeKalb County News, point to a larger alliance formed with Decide DeKalb and various other stakeholders in DeKalb's resurgence.
Meanwhile, the financial architecture backing Candler Crossing stems from the Southwest DeKalb Tax Allocation District (TAD), championed by Decide DeKalb's Vice President of Real Estate Development & Strategic Initiatives, Tiffany Wills, this TAD operates on a "pay-as-you-go" basis ensuring developers are reimbursed as the project incrementally contributes to tax revenue, protecting taxpayers from upfront costs as noted by Decide DeKalb's President Dorian DeBarr in a report from DeKalb County News.
Those interested in development opportunities can reach out to Jacob Vallo, as detailed through contact information provided by DeKalb County News, signaling an open invitation from DeKalb County to potential stakeholders willing to partake in the county's ambitious growth story.
