A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Smyrna, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Smyrna, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to “fill†a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Smyrna remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Smyrna, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Dental Surgery, DDS
Dr. John Bishara, DDS was born and raised in Nazareth Israel. His last name, "Bishara" translates to the annunciation, which is the announcement of the incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Dr. Bishara attended Valdosta State University, where he received his Bachelors degree of Science in Biology with honors. He then pursued his education at the University of Detroit Mercy to earn his Doctoral Degree of Dental Surgery, DDS.
Since earning his degrees in 1999, he has been practicing General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bishara spent his first four years practicing dentistry in St. Simons Island before moving to Marietta, Georgia to establish his own practice. In 2010, Dr. John Bishara completed a one year residency at MCG, specializing in dental implants.
Dr. John Bishara has proven to be an exceptional dental practitioner by creating a dental environment perfect for any individual and family, while offering an array of services to meet each of their needs. He takes pride in creating beautiful, confident smiles on a daily basis. Dr. John Bishara is dedicated to a lifelong career in Dentistry by furthering his education in every way possible.
Having served the East Cobb and Smyrna for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
770-691-5051
Welcome to Smyrna, Georgia, a city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and unique cultural attractions. Known as the “Jonquil City” for its annual Jonquil Festival celebrating the blossoming of Jonquil flowers, Smyrna embraces a lively community spirit. Explore the city’s charm, participate in its distinctive events, and uncover the reasons why Smyrna is a great place to call home. So whether you’...
Welcome to Smyrna, Georgia, a city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and unique cultural attractions. Known as the “Jonquil City” for its annual Jonquil Festival celebrating the blossoming of Jonquil flowers, Smyrna embraces a lively community spirit. Explore the city’s charm, participate in its distinctive events, and uncover the reasons why Smyrna is a great place to call home. So whether you’re searching for apartments in Smyrna, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what Smyrna is known for, this Redfin article will be your guide.
The annual Jonquil Festival, celebrating the vibrant blooming of jonquil flowers each spring, earned Smyrna the nickname “Jonquil City.” The city embraces this nickname as a symbol of community pride, and the festival has become a cherished tradition, attracting locals and visitors.
Smyrna is recognized for its connection to the renowned Silver Comet Trail, a multi-use path that spans over 60 miles and passes through the city. This trail, built on a former railway line, attracts outdoor enthusiasts for biking, walking, and running, offering scenic views and a tranquil escape from urban life. Smyrna’s proximity to the Silver Comet Trail enhances the city’s appeal, providing residents with a recreational haven and contributing to its reputation as an active and health-conscious community.
With its proximity to Atlanta, residents experience the best of both worlds. With easy access to Atlanta’s cultural scene and amenities, Smyrna maintains its distinct identity while serving as a metropolitan gateway. This strategic location makes Smyrna a desirable place to live, striking a balance between the suburban and urban living.
With its growing and diverse craft beer scene, Smyrna has emerged as a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. Hosting local breweries, taprooms, and craft beer festivals, the city offers residents and visitors a rich and flavorful beer experience. Embracing craft beer culture, Smyrna adds a dynamic, social dimension, making it a destination for those appreciating craft brewing’s artistry.
Smyrna proudly earned the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, recognizing the city’s outstanding urban development and planning achievements. This prestigious award reflects Smyrna’s commitment to creating sustainable, innovative, and vibrant urban spaces. Urban Land Institute’s recognition highlights Smyrna as a model city, showcasing excellence in shaping a forward-thinking, thriving community.
If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Ana is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about home improvement and life & style. Her dream house would be a Mediterranean style home featuring expansive windows.
Employees and customers reported there had been no heat for weeks.SMYRNA, Ga. — The U.S. Postal Service is responding after reports and concerns surfaced about a Cobb County post office that seemed to be without heat for weeks.A viewer reached out to 11Alive worried about the workers, especially during the cold spell this week.Linda Langston goes to the Smyrna post office on Windy Hill Rd. about once a week. She ...
Employees and customers reported there had been no heat for weeks.
SMYRNA, Ga. — The U.S. Postal Service is responding after reports and concerns surfaced about a Cobb County post office that seemed to be without heat for weeks.
A viewer reached out to 11Alive worried about the workers, especially during the cold spell this week.
Linda Langston goes to the Smyrna post office on Windy Hill Rd. about once a week. She sends money orders, drops off mail, gets copies made and takes advantage of other services. Amid the holiday rush at the post office, it wasn't the drop boxes that were getting all the attention, it was the drop in temperature.
"Yesterday when I came in, it was colder inside there than it was outside," Langston said. "It was my hands, my nose, everything was cold. I asked the girl and she said they had no heat for a month or two."
The place she relied on so much gave her the cold shoulder. Langston said customers complained about how chilly it was inside the post office for weeks. The heat reportedly was not on, and employees felt the chill too.
"Employees told me they've had the flu, they've been sick, and she said it's just miserable to work in the cold like this," Langston said. "All day like that in those conditions. I told her this was inhumane, and she said absolutely. It was pitiful. She had a hat on and gloves and everything. She said she still couldn’t hardly stand it. It was just miserable.”
Labor attorney Gary Freed said these types of issues don't happen as often as they did in the past because larger companies and agencies have adopted higher labor standards. And because the U.S. Postal Service leases the building, they could try and seek help from the landlord.
"One would need to take a look at what happened, what was the cause of it, and whether the postal service itself made any attempts to remedy the condition or expedite it," Freed said. “Generally, employees do not have direct claims against employers given they’re covered by worker’s compensation.”
In a statement, a U.S. Postal Service spokesperson confirmed issues with the heating system at the post office and that local management had worked with a local contractor to make repairs.
“The well-being of our employees and our customers is the priority of the Postal Service. Regarding issues with the heating system at the Smyrna, GA Post Office at 850 Windy Hill Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080, local management is aware and has taken steps to address the matter. While repairs are being made, temporary portable heating units have been deployed on site. We continue to work with a local contractor to ensure repairs are made promptly. Postal management will continue to monitor the system’s performance to ensure a suitable comfort level for our employees and our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced. The specific cause of the issues is undetermined at this time. Currently, the heating system is in working order. We will continue to monitor and address performance.”
- Debra Jean Fetterly, USPS Spokesperson, Georgia DistrictThe Postal Service did not address how long the issue went on. While the building seemed a little warmer for Langston on Wednesday, in her mind it was long overdue for the place and the workers she relies on.
"They work hard all day. They shouldn't have to work in cold conditions," Langston said. "Someone should have helped them a long time ago."
The second time was a charm for Ashley Carlton, who decided to follow in his father's footsteps and create a gourmet cookie shop when he moved to Atlanta.More VideosSMYRNA, Ga. — As people walk into Not As Famous Cookie Company, the smell of baked goods will enchant them as it seeps from the oven, but what most people don’t know is the journey it took a Black business owner to carry out his passion.The second time was a charm for Ash...
The second time was a charm for Ashley Carlton, who decided to follow in his father's footsteps and create a gourmet cookie shop when he moved to Atlanta.
SMYRNA, Ga. — As people walk into Not As Famous Cookie Company, the smell of baked goods will enchant them as it seeps from the oven, but what most people don’t know is the journey it took a Black business owner to carry out his passion.
The second time was a charm for Ashley Carlton, who followed in his father’s footsteps and created a gourmet cookie shop in Smyrna. The company has been around for eight years.
“I have recipes that have been passed down from a generation. I’ve known about these recipes for close to 40 years now, finally getting out to the masses,” he said.
During Black History Month, Carlton remembers those who came before him while stepping in to help his community.
“Black History Month, to me, is recognizing all the ones that have come before us. Everybody just allowed us to basically live our wildest dreams,” Carlton said.
Carlton remembers the first time he made his very first cookie was when he was a child with his father.
The business owner said his father owned a bakery. Unfortunately, his father had to choose between taking care of six kids and owning the shop -- ultimately losing it.
“I saw it as a kid. I wasn’t of age to really help out then. But I knew that, you know, this was a kind of just my guide to entrepreneurship,” he said.
Carlton would then move to Atlanta in 2008 from Indianapolis to carry out his father’s dream and his own passion for baking cookies. A good friend encouraged him to start his business, who he described as his own personal “hype man.”
According to Carlton’s website, he began his business when he moved to Atlanta, but the mortgage collapse led him back to square one in a brand-new city.
He then went into the corporate scene after his business failed and learned from other small business owners, making him come back even stronger.
“I think the biggest thing is just being your own boss. I saw a lot of things in corporate that were not for me. So for me, being an entrepreneur and living on my own terms,” Carlton said.
He opened his first food truck back in 2015 after his corporate stint and then graduated to a brick-and-mortar shop in Smyrna in 2021.
But when looking for a home for his storefront, he overcame many adversities, including struggles with his landlord. After providing all the documentation, he said it took 15 months to get his business up and running.
He did not let his struggles get in his way as years later, he now mentors the youth, teaching them about the world of business and the importance of Black entrepreneurship.
“I speak a lot to the youth and even my staff to try to help them out by teaching them about entrepreneurship, stuff like that, that actually helps them out,” Carlton said.
He has also worked with several major companies, like Delta and Truist, and even some celebrities. Carlton even met the Black Panther cast, including Chadwick Boseman.
On to the delicious part of his story, Carlton said the first cookie he ever sold was his Chocolate Chip Cookie - an OG flavor.
“We’re known for that. It’s a sweet yet has a little bit of sea salt on it. People just love it,” he added.
The gourmet cookie maker also said that his business has nine flavors that switch each month — three that stay on the menu and six that rotate.
His favorite cookie is his peanut butter chocolate chip pretzel because of its blend of sweet and salty flavors. Another favorite of Carlton’s is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cookie.
Credit: Ashley Carlton
“That one, you know, we glaze it with a peanut butter coat on top. Cups go inside, and it’s a chocolate base,” he said.
For each holiday and special occasion, the company adds a new flavor. This month, his company had a Valentine’s Day sugar and M&M cookie.
And because the company is based in the Peach State, Georgia has its own cookie — a red velvet base with white chocolate chips.
Despite starting his business years ago, Carlton claims he's only just getting started.
He is floating around the idea of franchising and possibly opening new stores but is currently going to focus on his storefront and food truck.
Carlton believes young entrepreneurs should be ready to sacrifice to achieve their dreams of starting a business.
“If you really want to be an entrepreneur, spend every hour you’re not at work working on your dream, working on that business,” the business owner added. “If you believe it, fight for what you believe in.”
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11Alive invites you to embark on a journey of unapologetic stories that have shaped Atlanta's past, present and future this Black History Month. Check out our collection of stories: "DREAM x DISRUPT: Black Atlanta's Bold Movement" at 11alive.com/blackhistory or check out the video below.
SMYRNA, Ga., Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL), the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced ...
SMYRNA, Ga., Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL), the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced Rowan Walk, a new luxury home community of townhomes and single-family home designs, is coming soon to Smyrna in Cobb County, Georgia. Construction of the Sales Center and model homes is underway and sales will begin later this spring.
Located at 1332 Koa Court SE in charming Smyrna, Rowan Walk will include 144 new homes, including 134 three-story townhomes and 10 three-story single-family home designs. Home buyers will choose from six exquisite home designs ranging from 1,919 to 3,300+ square feet, each built with the outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and value for which Toll Brothers is known.
Rowan Walk will be comprised of three collections of meticulously designed townhomes and single-family residences. The Birch and Maple Collections will offer three-story townhomes ranging from 1,919 to 2,699+ square feet. The Cottages Collection will feature just 10 single-family homes ranging from 2,618 to 3,300+ square feet in this exciting urban setting. Future onsite amenities at the community will include a pool and cabana for residents to gather and enjoy.
“With contemporary floor plans tailored to meet the preferences of today's home buyers and an array of designer-appointed interiors, Rowan Walk in Smyrna will offer luxury living in one of the most sought-after locations in Cobb County,” said Eric White, Division President of Toll Brothers in Georgia.
Home buyers will enjoy proximity to nearby shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, and recreational destinations, including The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park. Major highways including Interstates 75 and 285, Routes 41 and 120, and East-West Connector are easily accessible from Rowan Walk, offering homeowners convenient access to downtown Atlanta.
For more information, call (888) 686-5542 or visit http://TollBrothers.com/GA.
About Toll Brothers Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 56 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations.
Toll Brothers was named the #1 Home Builder in Fortune magazine’s 2023 survey of the World’s Most Admired Companies®, the eighth year it has been so honored. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com.
©2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Toll Brothers.
Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | ameck@tollbrothers.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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(The Center Square) — Smyrna officials are contemplating spending $15.8 million to buy a church property as part of an update to the city’s downtown.After selling, the church would lease the building from the city for two years while they build their new structure on land they plan to purchase from the city for $3.3 million."This is an opportunity that any city would welcome the chance to have before them," Mayor Derek Norton said during his recent State of the City address."The city during tha...
(The Center Square) — Smyrna officials are contemplating spending $15.8 million to buy a church property as part of an update to the city’s downtown.
After selling, the church would lease the building from the city for two years while they build their new structure on land they plan to purchase from the city for $3.3 million.
"This is an opportunity that any city would welcome the chance to have before them," Mayor Derek Norton said during his recent State of the City address.
"The city during that two-year timeframe would conduct market studies and engage developers to get a sense of what’s possible on that site, which could include, at least in my mind, new restaurants, retail, housing, parking, and green space," Norton said. "...Whatever pathway forward has chosen, the property will be on the tax digest for the first time in 100 years or more, creating tremendous value for the city beyond just the new amenities for years and years to come."
The plan has drawn mixed reactions from Smyrna residents.
Before joining Smyrna, Andrea Worthy, the city’s economic development director, worked in Sandy Springs and was on the team responsible for the City Springs development, which created a new downtown.
"In the Sandy Springs case, because the citizens wanted a performing arts center in their downtown, they made a choice to make sure that that was included, knowing that they were going to be subsidizing that project for years," Worthy told The Center Square following a recent public meeting.
"...You could have a developer out there today, a private developer today who could probably make that $15 million back and put them out there and from a tax perspective, we could have that money back in 10 years," Worthy added. "But the reality is, what do the citizens want to see there? And that may or may not give a financial ROI in a 10-year timeframe."
The city has economic winds at its back. Thanks to rising property values in the area, its net taxes levied increased by about 50.3% between 2018 and 2023.
In 1989, the city spent $40 million to buy 40 acres of property to develop a new downtown, Rep. Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna, told The Center Square.
"It took a while; we redeveloped this 40 acres, built this community center and the library," Stoner said. "Within five years, within a two-mile radius of the downtown, because of all the housing development that came in, ... you had about a $250 million increase in ... property values within a two-mile radius, which of course meant it generated more property taxes for the city.
"That’s how you look at that in the sense of an ROI," the lawmaker added. "It’s not so much what you get off the property directly. It’s you set a standard, or you do a type of development that brings the private sector in to build around it. And that usually raises your values of the properties or generates more taxes in different ways."
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