Cedartown city officials succeeded on their second attempt to gain voter approval for redevelopment powers.
According to Tuesday’s unofficial election results, more than 54% of city voters supported the referendum. This approval allows Cedartown to create tax allocation districts (TADs)—special zones where increased property tax revenue from new development can be used to fund redevelopment projects. These districts serve as incentives for commercial developers but do not create new taxes for residents.
Only voters who live within the city limits took part in this vote.
A separate referendum—granting new school tax exemptions for property owners aged 65 and older—passed by an even wider margin. Nearly 90% of county voters supported that measure, which will take effect at the start of next year.
This was the second time Cedartown put the redevelopment powers question on the ballot. The first attempt, in March, failed by just 14 votes.
City officials have already shared plans to create TADs in two main areas: downtown Cedartown and along U.S. 27 near Davis Road, where Home Depot and Walmart are located. The northern district is expected to include a new 110,000-square-foot shopping center.
The city commission recently rezoned that property and approved early designs featuring a Publix grocery store, additional retail spaces, and outparcels for standalone businesses or restaurants.
City Manager Edward Guzman said the city is now preparing the redevelopment plan for the northside project. This process will include public hearings and coordination between the city commission, county commission, and school board—all of which must approve the plan before any construction begins.
