Both cities in Cherokee County passed Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) by public vote. This is a step in the right direction to accommodate the demand for housing and commercial uses in areas where infrastructure already exists. By targeting areas for redevelopment where infrastructure already exists and choosing these infill locations to bring future growth to a specific area allows the opportunity for higher-density housing that I have been campaigning for weeks about.
“TADs have been beneficial, yet any decision-maker considering one for his or her area should be aware that this policy tool is not without cost or risk,”says Bourdeaux, an assistant professor of public administration and urban studies at Georgia State University. “They do represent a gamble on the part of local governments, so they need to be thoughtfully applied.”
“Thoughtfully applied” is the next big step for the cities of Woodstock and Canton. Choosing the right locations, the correct use of the tax incentives and how these cooperate with the Comprehensive Plan for future development is key to overall success of the TAD.
There will be a lot fo pressure on the city governments to take the proper steps of implementing a successfully TAD project, but at least we are moving forward and not backward. Way to go Canton and Woodstock!
- For those wanting to learn more about TADs, read this complete study conducted by Research Atlanta and go here to view the progress of a large-scale TAD in the City of Atlanta – The Beltline.
