Mayor Reed: Braves move is not done deal

ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed told Channel 2 Action News that the Atlanta Braves relocation to Cobb County is not a done deal.

Channel 2 anchor Justin Farmer was the only television reporter to speak directly with the mayor following the announcement.

The Braves announced Monday morning they will be building a new stadium at Circle 75 and Windy Ridge Parkway, northwest of the Interstate 75 and Interstate 285 interchange.

Reed told Famer that the property in Cobb County has been identified as a potential site by the Braves, but as not been purchased.

The mayor said the deal would include $450 million in public funding and Cobb County voters have not been part of the decision process.

The financial package will not go before the Cobb County Commission on Nov. 26, according to Reed.

Reed told Farmer he will speak publicly on Tuesday morning. He also plans to release documents that outline the good faith negotiations between the city of Atlanta and had with the Braves for more than a year.

"Atlanta's taxpayers are not going to be responsible for $450 million of taxpayer money to build a new stadium downtown for the Braves," Reed told Farmer.

Reed reminded Farmer that hotel/motel tax dollars are all the money the city has accounted to build the new Atlanta Falcons stadium.

"Given the needs facing our city and the impact of Turner Field stadium on surrounding neighborhoods, that was something I, and many others were unwilling to do. We have been planning for the possibility of this announcement and have already spoken to multiple organizations who are interested in redeveloping the entire Turner Field corridor," Reed said in a statement released on Monday.

Stay with Channel 2 Action News for updates on this developing story and continue to get updates on this story by following Justin Farmer on Facebook.

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