ATLANTA -
As Atlanta officials continue negotiations with the team, other areas
are willing to enter the fray. Published reports say Clayton County
officials are open to talking to the Falcons about county land near
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
"We have 150 acres here. We'd love to
see the Falcons stay. We'd love to see them right here in Clayton
County," said Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner.
The
150 acres at the intersection of Grant Parkway and Old Dixie Highway
used to be the old Mountainview Subdivision in Forest Park.
Clayton
County officials say what's become a dumping ground near the airport
could be much more -- hotels, businesses and possibly the new home for
the Atlanta Falcons.
Turner says planners would like the team to
consider the location near Interstates 75 and 285 if the city of Atlanta
and the team fail to reach a stadium deal team owner Arthur Blank
wants.
"We're waiting to see what's going to happen and again,
if all talks and everything break down and there's no other option, we
want this to be an option for the Atlanta Falcons," Turner said.
That
option has its issues; it's still miles away from current MARTA rail
lines and privately, some existing businesses in the area told FOX 5
that they worry about how they would survive if the team is their
neighbor.
Turner says many other people in his county are upbeat about the prospect and the county could make it happen.
"Love
the idea, very excited about it and again, I'm making it clear to them
that we have not made a formal pitch, we would just love to see them
here," Turner said.
Turner says the county has yet to speak to team officials, and is waiting to see how negotiations with Atlanta turn out.
