The Wyldwood Place development might be back on track to build a hotel, cinema and conference center along Sigman Road, according to the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council.
CREDC Director Glenn Sears reported to the Board of Commissioners during last week’s budget hearings that the Coast Development company had re-initiated their inquiries into the Sigman Road property they had previously been considering in 2007, before the economic collapse dried up financing and put many projects on hold. Previously, the company had been looking at around 25 to 30 acres. This time around, the company is approaching the project as an all inclusive, upscale senior living development.
"I-20 is the new Ga. 400 and they want to be here," said Sears.
Wyldwood Place would represent an investment of about $100 million and 300 new jobs.
Other potential investors include a bio-fuels manufacturer, a refrigeration unit manufacturer and a company that would manufacture "blast proof walls," said Sears.
Existing companies that are expanding include Solo Cup, which added more than 70 jobs to their 650 employees, Golden State Foods, which added more than 85 jobs to the existing 425, Pratt Industries, which is adding about 35 jobs to their 950 person workforce and BioLab Inc, which recently added a liquid products line and 15 jobs to their 200 person workforce.
Sears reported CREDC received 44 inquires from state and local developers, with 24 that developed into projects. Out of those, 10 were terminated, five are on hold and nine are currently active projects.
Sears and Gina Hartsell cited the availability of property information on the CREDCga.com website as a factor in facilitating economic development inquiries. Sears also described the Rockdale Career Academy as a "rocket ship" and a main attractor to investors, along with the county’s school system, health care facility, independent water source and horse park and fiber optic cables.
