Milton Faces Final Decision on $26.25 Million Verizon Campus Purchase

MILTON, Ga. — Milton City Council is approaching a decision that could commit the city to buying the former Verizon office campus in South Deerfield for $26.25 million.

At its Monday, Nov. 16 meeting, the council will consider authorizing City Manager Steven Krokoff to move ahead with the purchase once final reviews are satisfactory and the money is confirmed. The city’s 60-day inspection period expires Thursday, Nov. 20, and the proposed closing is expected by Dec. 1.

Milton has been studying the 51.32-acre property at One, Two and Three Verizon Place since approving a purchase agreement in September. The decision now is whether to waive its right to withdraw from that agreement, not whether to approve a park or redevelopment plan.

What the vote would commit

The city has already paid a $100,000 deposit. Moving forward would generally make that payment nonrefundable and require another $500,000 deposit. The remaining $25.65 million would be due at closing, before adjustments and closing costs. The deal is not contingent on financing.

The former campus includes three vacant office buildings totaling 433,326 square feet. Milton has requested demolition bids, although it has not awarded a contract to remove them.

A mix of public land and future development

Under a companion agreement, the Development Authority of Milton would acquire the property using city funds. Milton would select land to keep for parks and recreation, while the authority could sell the remaining parcels for compatible private development. Net sale proceeds would return to the city.

Those sales could reduce Milton’s eventual cost, but neither the amount of parkland nor the value of future property sales has been decided. Maintenance, security, demolition and other site expenses would also remain part of the city’s financial picture.

With a separate 24.42-acre property already owned nearby, the Verizon acquisition would bring almost 76 acres under city control in the Deerfield area. Any private construction would still require the normal planning and zoning approvals.

The council is also expected to consider easements allowing Verizon to maintain telecommunications equipment on the property, including arrangements for a replacement cell tower.

Monday’s council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk. Residents can follow the council meeting and agenda as the city decides whether to complete one of its largest property purchases.

A yes vote would give Milton a new opportunity to shape South Deerfield. How much of the campus becomes public space, and what eventually rises on the rest, would remain for later decisions.