Downtown Avondale Estates Now An 'Opportunity Zone'

The City of Avondale Estates has taken a major step toward revitalizing the downtown business district.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has designated that area an "opportunity zone." That creates a tax incentive for current businesses to expand and new businesse to locate there.

A message from the city says that:

• The maximum Job Tax Credit allowed under law - $3,500 per job created.
• The lowest job creation threshold of any job tax credit program - two jobs.
• Use of Job Tax Credits against 100 percent of Georgia income tax liability and withholding tax.
• Provides for businesses of any nature to qualify, not just a defined "business enterprise." 

Avondale Estates downtown has often been criticized because of its rundown look. The town's best known business, the old James Joyce tavern, shut down last year after several name changes and hasn't reopened.

Other steps taken to revitalize the Avondale Estates include from the Atlanta Regional Commission; a walkability study; the sale and renovation of the large Tudor building downtown; the future opening ; the annexation of land on East College Avenue; and the settling of a bankruptcy case that froze many downtown parcels.