The old Atlanta Army Depot is just a few miles southeast of us, just on the other side of the Beltline, once a key part of America's -- and Atlanta's -- defenses. But now Fort Gillem, as it's known these days, is closing along with Fort McPherson, victims of the 2005 basae realignment act (more information than you could possibly use here.) Most the military claptrap and personnel will be moved up to Fort Bragg, N.C., in the city once known as Fayettenam. What happens to its, 1,400 acres is now up to our own Cousins Properties (link here).
From the AJC:
"Fort Gillem's redevelopment promises to transform Forest Park, a truck-traffic town with a cemetery on Main Street and a smattering of storefront churches. Clayton County's biggest city suffers from a shortage of taxable property. Two of the largest propertyowners — the Atlanta State Farmers Market and Fort Gillem — do not pay property taxes.
Cousins' job will include negotiating property transfers with the Army, garnering regional approval for the massive undertaking, helping with zoning changes and steering development."
Base redevelopment can be a tricky business. But if Tom Cousins' outfit could clean up East Lake, converting an empty old Army base for civilian purposes (read: shopping and living) will be a breeze.
