Community Corner

Group Seeks to Push New Falcons Stadium Deal on November Elections Ballot

EAST ATLANTA — Plans for a new $1 billion stadium for the Atlanta Falcons are moving forward, but one group is pushing to force the issue before voters this fall.

Common Cause Georgia a public interest advocacy group, is seeking 35,000 signatures to place the issue on the November ballot and letting the voters decide.

The controversial plan for the new, retractable-roof stadium includes a provision for the issuance of some $200 million in bonds that would be backed by city hotel-motel taxes to help finance the new facility.

Proponents say the hotel-motel tax is a good revenue source because those are paid by visitors to the city and the overall plan keeps the Atlanta Falcons in the city.

But Common Cause Georgia, which was at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market Thursday seeking signatures, says that money could be better used.

in the accompanying video, Ryan Splitlog, an activist with the organization, explains to East Atlanta Patch why Common Cause Georgia is pushing to let voters decide.

What's your take on the stadium plan? Should voters get the chance to vote on the issue directly? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.


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