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Conyers council removes agenda item after heated debate over apartment tax abatement
Summary
After a lengthy debate about a proposed 5‑year tax abatement for an apartment project, the Conyers City Council voted to remove Item 1 under New Business from tonight’s agenda. Councilmembers split on whether to communicate opposition to the development authority or to consult the authority first.
The Conyers City Council on Monday removed from its agenda a proposed item that would have directed staff to communicate the city’s position on a proposed tax abatement for a residential development.
Councilmember Smith moved to remove Item 1 under New Business; after council discussion the motion carried. Opponents of removal said the council needed to make a clear statement to the development authority about residential abatements. One councilmember warned a proposed five‑year abatement would cost taxpayers roughly $2,600,000 over the abatement period, saying the council serves as “gatekeepers for the city and for the residents.”
Other councilmembers urged more outreach to the Rockdale County Development Authority before issuing a formal statement. A defender of the authority said the proposed abatement had been “very carefully crafted,” argued the project would generate revenue in early years and that the authority considered site‑specific conditions to limit repeat approvals.
After debate the mayor called for a voice vote; the ayes carried and the item was removed from the agenda. Councilmembers said staff will continue individual outreach and that the city manager will poll members about whether to place a formal resolution opposing residential abatements on a future meeting agenda.
The council did not take a final policy vote on the abatement itself tonight; removing the item means the council did not adopt a resolution to deliver to the development authority at this meeting.
