CLAYTON COUNTY MARKET REPORT MAY 10-16, 2019
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County implements new transportation initiatives
The Virginia Avenue Smart Corridor Study started in February. RENDERING/SPECIAL
BY JANET JONES KENDALL Contributing Writer
As Clayton County continues to develop around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and beyond, connecting its people and places has become one of its biggest challenges. “The two prominent challenges are maintaining an aging infrastructure and upgrading to a rapidly urbanizing environment, with appropriate roadway shoulders, sidewalks, pedestrian accommodations and accessibility for transit,” said Detrick Stanford, chief operating officer of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners. Those were some of the findings recently in the Aerotropolis Transit Feasibility Study, commissioned Detrick to help create transit solutions in the counStanford ty and the Aerotropolis Atlanta community around the airport. The study focuses on feeder systems to the larger regional system, with a heavy emphasis on Aerotropolis employees, residents and visitors, said Kirsten Mote, the program director for Aerotroplis Atlanta CIDs’ proposed automated bus demo project. Key recommendations include better infrastructure for existing transit, such as sidewalks and bus shelters, she added. Mote’s team has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to be a testing ground for
automated buses and receive some of the $60 million the DOT is offering for starter projects. If the project is funded and implemented, it would be the first automated bus around a U.S. airport in mixed traffic, said Mote. “The Aerotropolis strives to be a leader in technology, and this is an example that can be showcased to the world,” she added. The project is a partnership between MARTA, Center for Transportation and Environment, the Aerotropolis, the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (the ATL) and the airport. “MARTA provides an integral link to the world’s busiest and most efficient airport and the Aerotropolis community around it,” Stanford said. “The grant applied for addresses integrating innovative technologies into a public transit demonstration serving the airport community, and offers an opportunity to develop a model for other airports, and urban and suburban commercial centers.” The system would serve employees and airport passengers as well as local commuters and residents, he added. The DOT proposal includes two 40-foot electric buses that would operate without drivers, however there would be safety drivers on board, Mote said. The project would run for four years, with the first stage devoted to development and safety testing. The Aerotropolis team is confident it will be awarded the grant, she said, adding that if it does not happen, “Aerotropolis will continue to explore opportunities to implement both transit and technology.” Aside from the grant funds, Aerotropolis and county leaders plan to proceed with
“The Aerotropolis strives to be a leader in technology, and [the proposed automated bus system] is an example that can be showcased to the world.” KIRSTEN MOTE,
Aerotropolis Atlanta CIDs
what the transit study found are immediate action items: R Implementing a “mobility district” and overnight transit service; R Providing high-quality bus stops and bus stop shelters; and, according to the study, R Collaborating with local and regional agencies to advance sidewalk and firstand last-mile upgrades to roadways. Longer-term goals include working with MARTA, the ATL, local governments and the Atlanta Regional Commission on grants to create a proposed Camp Creek Connector, and collaborate with these entities on a South Fulton Parkway BRT, according to the transit study. “There is a significant opportunity for Atlantans to benefit from additional development near the airport, such as jobs, housing, shopping and restaurants,” the transit study executive summary stated. “Additional transit serving the Aerotropolis area will bring about this vision, keep the economy growing and take us to the next level.” In February, the Aerotropolis Atlanta
CIDs and partners, Modern Mobility Partners and KCI Technologies Inc., started what it has called the Virginia Avenue Smart Corridor Study, set to conclude in September. For the study, the entities are evaluating different technologies along a route that extends from U.S. 29/Main Street in College Park, Ga., to South Central Avenue in Hapeville, Ga., focusing on mobility, safety and walkability, said Mote. MARTA itself already had a large presence in Clayton County, with 633 bus stops that support 13 routes and 7,000 riders a day. About 579 residents of Clayton County also work for MARTA itself, according to MARTA spokesperson Stephany Fisher. Last December, the MARTA board of directors adopted two major programs for the county: BRT along GA Highways 139 and 85, and Commuter Rail (CRT) along the existing Norfolk Southern rail line, Fisher added. “These new options address the increased demand from riders, support the planned growth, and connect key employment and activity centers,” she said. “MARTA supports any effort to improve connectivity as our city and state continue to grow.” Piecing together the various transit options in the county was one of the suggestions in the feasibility study. “The Aerotropolis Transit Feasibility Study builds on recently completed studies and reports in Fulton and Clayton Counties to understand micro-level service gaps and transit solutions,” Mote said, adding that her team is partnering with Clayton County and the city of College Park on transportation improvement projects such as a new bus shelter on Phoenix Boulevard and sidewalk development along West Fayetteville Road.
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ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE
MAY 10-16, 2019
CLAYTON COUNTY MARKET REPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Clayton Chamber connects to local business It makes sense that Jeremy Stratton, CEO of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, would have 23 years of economic development experience and be a certified economic developer, as the organization is deep into work on its strategic plan as a leader and collaborator for county business. He spoke to Atlanta Business Chronicle about the Chamber’s work. What role does the Clayton Chamber play in the area’s economic development? The Clayton Chamber of Commerce developed a strategic plan about three years ago, about the same time I have been CEO. We noticed gaps in the community in terms of economic development needs, so we have started doing more to help. We meet with our members and area businesses to offer technical assistance such as help with planning and zoning issues, infrastructure, workforce development and connections to suppliers.
Q
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN 0.1 3.3
Churches and Places of Worship 2.6%
1.9 2.6
Schools, Universities, Colleges and Training 6.0%
6.0
Hospital and Medical 4.0%
4.0
Professional Services - Everything from consulting businesses to lawyers, engineering, CPAs, etc. 21.0%
&
A
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Individual 0.1%
Freight Forwarders/Distribution Companies 15.2%
27.2 21.0
Manufacturing and related companies 4.0% Non-Profit 9.1 Government 5.6 Retail business/Hotels/Restaurants, etc. 27.2%
5.6 15.2
Banks and Financial Institutions 3.3%
9.1 4.0
Utilities 1.9%
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CLAYTON COUNTY MARKET REPORT CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Just recently, we started helping developers and commercial/industrial real estate professionals connect with city and county oďŹƒcials to make the development process smoother, so that we will see an increase in capital investment and jobs. We have also helped with the site location process. Can you describe the makeup/ demographics of the chamber? The chamber is a platform for businesses to connect through networking programs, referrals, meet-ups and other means to spur doing business with each other and other chambers. [See chart of our member breakdown.] What are some of the Chamber’s most popular programs/initiatives? One is Chamber Member of the Week. We spotlight a dierent member each week with a framed certiďŹ cate and free advertising on our website to give companies more exposure. It is very popular, and we get a demand from members to choose them. Another is monthly networking programs, which we move around to each of the seven municipalities, to give each area of the county the opportunity to
showcase their community, enable businesses to network and meet new prospects, and engage all parts of Clayton County with a more recognizable chamber brand. A rapidly growing program that is part of our business retention and expansion eorts is our chamber visits to companies. This is to show companies that we want to help them with any issues and opportunities that may arise. Our companies have someone to call now. What makes Clayton County a favorable place to do business? Eighty percent of the world’s busiest airport is in Clayton County. Interstates 75, 85, 285 and 675 traverse the county. Interstate 20 is 10 miles north. Our transportation network is unmatched. We are also the only county in the metro Atlanta area with Tier 1 state incentives. What are some of the challenges/ issues the county is facing from an economic development/business standpoint? The Chamber is working on how we can bring the business and development community closer to our county and municipalities. How do you see MARTA’s expansion and other transit initiatives in Clayton County impacting economic
development? By and large, Clayton’s employers are pleased to have MARTA bus service, since it helps open up the pool of employees available to them. We have some of the busiest bus lines in the MARTA system. We are excited about the prospects of moving forward with commuter rail in the next ďŹ ve to eight years, which would go through the cities of Forest Park, Morrow, Jonesboro and Lovejoy. The extension of rail through Clayton County will open up a lot of redevelopment opportunities along the route. We hope to see transportation-oriented development (TOD) in and around the stations in Clayton County. Clayton County will see more vertical and dense development, which is important in the maturation of our economy. I would also expect to see mixed-use projects.
help the community reach its potential as an economic powerhouse in the region. With more companies in the region, the Chamber of Commerce becomes stronger.
How does the chamber work with Clayton County government and other entities in the area to promote and grow business in the county? I have become more and more involved, facilitating meetings between developers, businesses and real estate professionals and community leaders, to be a bridge to see how we can most eectively and eďŹƒciently bring new companies to the area as well as help existing companies grow. My goal is to
What are the chamber’s goals this year and into the future? We are in the midst of conducting a feasibility study with Power10 to determine if we should do a capital campaign to build the resources and infrastructure that we need to be an economic development organization partner for Clayton County and help our companies with workforce, technical and expansion opportunities.
How is Clayton County’s chamber different from other metro area chambers in terms of culture, demographics, properties, community? We are a lot like any other chamber in the metro area. We have been rebuilding the chamber and trying to add resources to make it an even larger force in the community. Our membership has increased 15 percent in the last three years. The Clayton County Chamber has a higher percentage of distribution/ freight forwarders as members of the chamber [than other metro Atlanta chambers].
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ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE
MAY 10-16, 2019
CLAYTON COUNTY MARKET REPORT NEW PROGRAM
Concierge service will assist county businesses BY DOUG DELOACH Contributing Writer
During the past several months, Clayton County government and economic development officials have been working on a new “concierge service” program to attract new companies, from large corporations to smaller startups. The initiative is designed to streamline the process of doing business in the county and eliminate the need for multiple contacts, said Khalfani Stephens, executive director of the county’s office of economic development. “This is going to be a huge differentiator for Clayton County,” he added. “Anywhere else, you would fill out some paperwork and become a cog in the machine. With the concierge service, you are going to experience that ‘VIP Gold Key’ treatment.” Under the new system, a “concierge service consultant” is assigned to a citizen or business owner in need of something more complex than a single permit or application approval. The consultant guides the business owner through the process, which could include acquiring multiple permits, submitting land development plans or understanding zoning provisions. The consultant either points the business owner to the proper authority or
personally handles the matter, said Detrick Stanford, COO of Clayton County. “The concierge service primarily resides in our Community Development department, which is the central point of contact with connections to other departments,” he explained. Ben Casey, president and CEO of Low Temp Industries (LTI), a food service equipment manufacturer with 175 employees, said he would have welcomed such consultation and guidance when his company recently undertook a major expansion project. In April, he opened a new 172,500-square-foot manufacturing plant and headquarters in Jonesboro, Ga., a $16 million investment. “I love the idea of Ben the concierge proCasey gram, but it wasn’t in place when we started working with the people at economic development,” he added. Founded by Casey’s grandfather in 1947, LTI was still operating in its original Clayton County location when Casey decided to expand rather than relocate. When
R
CLAYTON COUNTY
R Home of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta AT A GLANCE International Airport R Direct access to Georgia ports via rail, plus 19 exits on 4 major interstate highways (I-675, I-75, I-85, and I-285) R Access to two Class I railroads: CSX and Norfolk Southern R Office, commercial and industrial development opportunities R Local permitting R Incentive structures for new and existing businesses R Proximity to 15 or more major universities and colleges
Source: Clayton County Office of Economic Development
an adjacent multi-acre property became available, Casey jumped at the opportunity, closing the deal in December 2016. In early 2017, Casey started discussing next steps for his company with Clayton County officials. “We had a rough start,” Casey said, declining to elaborate. “Everybody wanted to help, but there were a lot of moving pieces and no single driver available who could help us navigate through all the steps.” Clayton County officials said the new
concierge service will rectify the problems encountered by Casey through a combination of technology and personal interaction. The county already offers online submittal of permits, licenses and zoning applications and is modifying its automated system to allow users to monitor various aspects of their projects. “Another benefit of the system is that we can measure our internal performance through data analytics,” said Stanford. Casey, who will chair the Clayton Chamber of Commerce in 2020, said he supports the steps being taken by county and economic development officials to attract investment and spur growth. “Ideally, we want to see a unified system, which includes the county commission, economic development, the chamber and Aerotropolis working together through this concierge service,” he said. One of the goals of the concierge service will be to eliminate bureaucratic glitches, said Stephens. “Even though the county and development authority are separate entities, we try not to operate that way because we understand what the expectation is,” Stephens said. “That’s why we fully support the county in the implementation of this concierge process.”
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