Microsoft has reportedly halted the development of a 90-acres hub in Atlanta amid a struggling U.S. economy under President Biden.
As explained by Fox 5 Atlanta, in February 2021, Microsoft “announced a major expansion into Georgia in addition to its Atlantic Yards project. As part of that plan, the company purchased 90 acres off U.S. 78 near the Grove Park neighborhood. The company said it was an ideal location being close to Proctor Creek and its associated trail as well as just being a couple blocks west of the Bankhead MARTA station.”
The facility was expected to bring 15,000 jobs to the area, but development has now been halted. However, development may restart in the future.
“We intend to reengage in planning efforts when expansion is warranted,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Fox 5 Atlanta. “We are moving ahead with the construction of three new datacenters in Fulton and Douglas County as planned.”
The news “caught us by surprise,” Atlanta Mayor Dickens told reporters at a press gathering.
“It caught us a little bit by surprise that Microsoft is going to pause their development,” Dickens said. “They have to figure out what is their workplace strategy, how large to build this facility here, how many employees will be in office, how many will be remote. I’ve had a brief conversation with them, and they said they’re still committed to Atlanta, still committed to that location, and I’ve also encouraged them and downright told them that they must continue to do community engagement and all the things we wanted to do in that Grove Park, Collier Heights community.”
Dickens’ office also released a statement in response to the news, saying, “The Mayor called Microsoft leaders yesterday to express his concerns on the recent developments —particularly as they relate to commitments made of hiring Atlantans and the funding of a revitalization study for the Donald Lee Hollowell corridor. The 2021 announcement of the campus had economic consequences for the surrounding communities. This announcement of a delayed development creates uncertainties, and the Mayor wants to ensure that Microsoft fulfills the commitments it has made to our city.”
