Potential Atlanta NHL Expansion Team Thread

[RBH]

The Forsyth County Commission on Thursday voted to approve a zoning overlay that’s required to bring 100-acre, mixed-use megaproject The Gathering at South Forsyth to fruition. NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Orr was on hand as a “special guest” to show support for the proposal, which would include an NHL-ready, multipurpose arena as an anchor component, per its supporters.

The Gathering’s developer, Vernon Krause, a car dealership mogul and head of Krause Sports and Entertainment, called the commissioners’ zoning approval a “pivotal decision” and another “major step in realizing our visionary and transformative mixed-use project” in a statement following the vote.

Krause said his team remains committed to bringing an NHL expansion franchise to metro Atlanta as the marquee attraction of the ambitious new district, which is expected to cost in excess of $3 billion, with $1 billion of that funding the cornerstone arena that would also stage concerts and events.

Forsyth County megaproject passes 'pivotal' development hurdle

NHL legend supports The Gathering at South Forsyth as it edges closer to groundbreaking, per leadership

atlanta.urbanize.city

 

[aqib]

Bill Daly has said the CBA won’t effect any expansion process.

I know some posters thought the new CBA might include expansion money going forward but that’s not going to happen.

I can't speak for others. However, I didn't say it WOULD be included. I said that the union would try to put it on the table and getting expansion done before the CBA negotiations begin insure it will stay off the table.

 

[aqib]

For the Krause group, I think zoning approval was the final hurdle that needed to be crossed. If this is true, it means the onus is now on the league to take action.

Was it a "hurdle" or more of a formality. I didn't see anything that indicated that he wasn't going to get the necessary approvals.

Maybe, but not necessarily. I mean, the NHL went, what, four years from when the BoG awarded Vegas a franchise to adding Seattle? I don't think anyone would mind going another four years (if that's how long it takes) to even things up after adding Atlanta. Four years could be enough time to either A) wait for Arizona get its ducks in a row (if, in fact, there are any will ducks to get in a row in the desert), B) send a signal to Fertitta to either shit or get off the pot in Houston, C) find another dance partner to make it 36, both happen and the league wants to make it 36 or D) any combination of the above.

I've said a few times that its probably better for the teams to come in staggered because it increases the chances that they would be at least decent early on.

 

[dj4aces]

Was it a "hurdle" or more of a formality. I didn't see anything that indicated that he wasn't going to get the necessary approvals.

While the final stages of any development planning becomes mere formalities once certain things like funding, land deals, etc are all worked out, it's still a step in that process. Without zoning approval, there's no way it would happen until that approval is gained. So while it might've been a formality, or even a foregone conclusion that it was going to happen no matter what, it was also still a hurdle that needed to be crossed.

The only hurdle that's really left is the NHL BoG.

 

[aqib]

While the final stages of any development planning becomes mere formalities once certain things like funding, land deals, etc are all worked out, it's still a step in that process. Without zoning approval, there's no way it would happen until that approval is gained. So while it might've been a formality, or even a foregone conclusion that it was going to happen no matter what, it was also still a hurdle that needed to be crossed.

The only hurdle that's really left is the NHL BoG.

Yeah that's what I was wondering. Other than the competition from Carter's group was their any opposition to this project? Also, if he doesn't get the team will the rest of the development take place?