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Historic Black school redevelopment plan remains at standstill years after approval By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The historic Bailey-Johnson School remains shuttered and in disrepair three years after the Alpharetta Development Authority approved a tax abatement bond arrangement for its redevelopment. Construction originally was set to begin in mid-2022 and be completed by the end of 2023. On July 21, doors to the school remained padlocked. The red-brick exterior showed no sign of renovation progress, and weeds grew through cracks in the parking lot. Alpharetta City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said the city is not certain about the project’s future. “I don’t think that project ever happens,” he said. “I’ve heard different development concepts, but it will require another public process to determine.” In July 2022, the Development Authority agreed to temporarily take ownership of the property through a bond-for-title deal, allowing North Crescent Communities to make reduced payments in lieu of taxes. Under the agreement, the North Carolina-based developer pays 50 percent of the property tax obligation in the first year.
See PROJECT, Page 16
PHOTOS BY: JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Leslie Bethune, foreground, cheers for her daughters, with Allison Huter during a softball tournament at North Park in Alpharetta July 18
Alpharetta attracts thousands for national softball tourney By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia,com
A softball player swings at the ball during the Triple Crown Sports tournament at North Park July 18.
Mimosa Hall protests continue in Roswell ► PAGE 3
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands of families descended on Alpharetta for the national Triple Crown Sports softball tournament July 17-20, bringing a healthy bump to the city’s economy. The tournament drew some
Council candidates prep for elections ► PAGE 5
1,500 players representing more than 100 teams, marking a two-fold increase from last year. With teams from across the eastern U.S., the players and their families rented lodging, ate at restaurants and purchased snacks, sporting supplies and other items during their visit.
See SOFTBALL, Page 16
Cities’ police pursuits pale by comparison ► PAGE 12
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