City Government

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

The meeting generated many questions and answers, all of which are captured on the ZOOM recording. The following summary consolidates and summarizes a few of them.

Benefits to City

Q1. What benefits are projected for the city in terms of jobs and tax revenue?

A1. Movie projects will lease space from Kane Studio and typically hire their own workers (most often local workers). Additional staff is hired directly through the hotel, restaurants, and retail stores, which are scheduled to be developed in a later phase.

The city’s portion of property taxes are projected as follows:

• 2022 property tax was: $7,862.58

• 2023 property tax on the land, before anything is built, is estimated just over $134,000.

• After build out of phase 1 (est.12-18 months), estimated tax is $969,000 annually.

• After the complete build out of all phases (est. 5-6 years), estimated tax is over $5,000,000 annually.

Road Improvements and Traffic

Q2. What is the egress of the property, what road improvements will be made, what is the estimated increase in traffic?

A2. The Studio will have two main entrances on Campbellton Redwine Rd, and a private entrance on Jones Ferry Road for the short-term rental units on the property dedicated to (temporary) studio staff. A question was asked if an internal road leading to Campbellton Redwine might replace the Jones Ferry Rd entrance. The project team will research to determine the feasibility.

The traffic impact study recommends building two roundabouts on South Fulton Parkway at Campbellton Redwine Road and Rico Road, which would be phased in as the project grows. (Round-abouts on SF Parkway have been in the Georgia DOT plan for the past 10 years, so they will be built with or without this project with no cost to the City.) Kane Studio is required to add acceleration/deceleration lanes to the entrances on Campbellton Redwine Road. The DRI report estimates this project will generate a total of 4,622 new vehicular trips (if all studios were in full production at all times – which is likely infrequent). However, daily trips are challenging to predict because little data is available for movie studios, so comparable businesses are used for projections. The project team will research to determine if more accurate traffic information is available.

Studio, Property Design, and Rural Views

Q3. What is the Studio doing to help Chatt Hills “Keep it Rural”?

A3. The 70/30% preservation requirements will be met, which means project Rosebud will permanently preserve over 1,000 acres of land. The improvements to the land will be well hidden from public view. The studio is no longer requesting a variance to build 80 ft tall sound stages. The family cemetery on the property will be preserved with visitation arrangements permitted for family members. Land is being donated for the park extension and public trails.

Timeline

Q4. What are the next steps and timeline for this project?

A3. The Project Rosebud application has been scheduled for the following municipal meetings:

April 27, 6:00 p.m Council work session

May 2, 6:00 p.m Council Meeting & first read

May 11, 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting & Public Hearing

June 1, 6:00 p.m. City Council Work Session

June 6, 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting & Public Hearing & Second Read & Vote

If the the appliation passes without delay, Kane Studio intends to purchase the property by September 1, and estimates completion of Phase 1 in 12-18 months.

The Kane Studio Plan and the Zoom Recording are posted to the city’s website on this page: https://www.chatthillsga.us/news_detail_T29_R178.php