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Big League Dreams in Lilburn?

By Lane Bailey

Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Results Realty GA RE Lic # 282060

September 09, 2010 03:24 PM

The City of Lilburn is mulling over a plan to bring a ‘Big League Dreams‘ sports complex to the city. It would be located near US29 and Indian Trail-Lilburn Rd.

The plan is not without controversy, and the company is not without its detractors. And it isn’t cheap… the cost is expected to be $20M+ and the company has a history of going well over their initial estimates by the time construction completes. And that won’t likely be for 2+ years…

The Gwinnett Daily Post had an article the other day about it, and mentioned that there will be an agenda item about it on the September 13th City Council meeting.

What do you think? Is this a cool plan for Lilburn to revitalize itself? Or is it a boondoggle?

from LilburnDwellings.com

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Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Lane...

Wow that seems to be a lot of money for a small municipality. And quite a gamble in my opinion but who knows? If they build it, they build it, they might come!

Sep 09, 2010 03:49 PM

Jim Hale

ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR

Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

The Lilburn Dreamers....? Just doesn't sound big league. Just doesn't lend any crack to the bat.

Sep 09, 2010 04:08 PM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

Although I think Cities and Counties might have a good reason to be involved in building sports complexes at all levels it needs to make economic sense. I think it has gotten way out of hand at some levels, especially the major leagues. It is like they build them and then give them away just for the honor of having a big league team of some sort.

As I understand it based on the name this is a plan to attract tournament and travel ball teams. Have they considered trying to get minor league ball of some sort? I do not know the area and how close to Atlanta or other teams.

Good luck with it.

Sep 10, 2010 05:39 AM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

As a city that just lost its baseball team, it will be well worth it. It gives families something to do that they will remember their entire lives as a fun day with the family. Don't sweat the cost as it will pay for itself in memories!

Sep 15, 2010 07:45 PM

Lane Bailey

Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA

Realtor & Car Guy

Thanks for the comments, guys.

This wouldn't be for a Major or Minor League team, it would be tournaments and local league play. The city's play to make back their our money would be primarily from business taxes. There would be some money paid directly to the city for the operation of the complex, but looking at the other cities, I see that taking 30+ years to pay of the principal, plus a few more years for the interest... and I doubt if the facility would draw for that period of time without major renovations... which the city would likely be on the hook for.

The City approved exploring the option, which involves a refundable deposit of a few hundred thousand dollars. I don't have a problem with the exploration... I think it is the responsible thing to do... but it would take a pretty spectacular change to turn my opinion. I think there are better ways that the city could spend less and attract more.

Sep 16, 2010 01:44 AM

Anonymous

Chad

Just like the Braves Staduim, I think this will be a huge expense with little return. When will Gwinnett figure it out? If private business don't think that the idea is worth the investment, how can the tiny city of Lilburn expect to make this a good investment. I surely hope that the $450,000 that they are putting up to explore this idea is 100% refundable. They could pay me 10% of that and in two weeks, I could determine the viability of this project.

Taxes in this county continue to rise, and the services and quality of life continue to decline. This idea makes absolutely no sense at a time when people are struggling to find work. Most of the labor to build this will likely be illegals(granted there are plenty in Lilburn to hire.) So I see little impact on the local economy in the construction or mantaining of the fields. As for the actual use of the fileds creating income...first this area has to be a place that people would want to visit. I don't think that Lilburn has created that kind of environment.

Look to nearby cities that are thriving. Suwanee for one.

Oct 11, 2010 08:18 AM

Chad - Do we know each other? And my understanding is that the $450k IS refundable. I can't argue with your point. I think that there are a LOT of other options to create more value with a much smaller investment and less risk.

Oct 11, 2010 02:06 PM

Big League Dreams in Lilburn?

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