By Bill Smith
STONECREST, GEORGIA — In the heart of the bustling Atlanta metropolitan area, a cinematic phoenix may be poised to rise from the ashes of a once-vibrant entertainment hub. The City of Stonecrest, known for its rich history and vibrant community, is stirring with anticipation as it stands on the brink of a remarkable transformation, all thanks to an ambitious developer, Vaughn Irons.
The catalyst for this seismic change lies in the fate of the AMC Movie Theatre on Mall Parkway. Once a thriving bastion of entertainment, this theater, originally opened in 2002 by MegaStar Cinemas, became part of the AMC Theatres family in 2003. In 2017, New Vision Theatres took the reins and seemed to have a bright future ahead. Yet, just three years later, in 2020, the silver screens went dark, and the theater never reopened its doors.
The closure of the New Vision Theatres, with its 18 locations and nearly 200 screens, came as a shock to moviegoers. There were no signs of financial struggles prior to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the community wondering what would become of this cinematic landmark.
While other theaters in the metro Atlanta area have thrived with their unique in-theater dining experiences, the Mall at Stonecrest remained an enigma, locked in a dormant state. The AMC Dine-In in Buckhead, Movie Tavern in Tucker, and Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta have long been synonymous with their luxurious dinner-and-a-movie offerings, delighting movie enthusiasts for years.
Behind the scenes, however, a developer with an audacious vision has quietly been working to transform the forsaken New Vision Theatres complex into something truly exceptional. Vaughn Irons, the driving force behind this grand transformation, is determined to revolutionize the moviegoing experience in the City of Stonecrest.
The proposed project, which has already garnered significant attention, promises to be nothing short of spectacular. In what could be the most extensive transformation of a movie theater in the entire state of Georgia, Irons envisions a luxurious dinner-and-a-movie experience that will leave visitors spellbound. The 16-screen complex, far surpassing its local competitors, will not only offer the latest blockbuster films but will also provide an opulent dining experience that will undoubtedly become a centerpiece of Stonecrest’s cultural landscape.
To bring this dream to life, Vaughn Irons, working alongside an existing operator, is seeking support from the recently formed Stonecrest Development Authority. The developer has made a bold proposal, seeking $2,000,000 in incentives in the form of equity. This financial support will enable Irons and his team to realize their vision and provide the community with a world-class cinematic experience that has been sorely missed since 2020.
As the Stonecrest Development Authority reviews the proposal, the residents of Stonecrest and film enthusiasts across the Atlanta area hold their collective breath, hopeful that the city’s cinematic rebirth is within grasp. With a visionary developer at the helm and an opportunity to create something truly unique and exceptional, the future of the City of Stonecrest looks set to shine brighter than ever before.
In the world of cinema and urban development, Vaughn Irons and Stonecrest are poised to make history. The curtain may be about to rise on a new era of entertainment, and movie lovers near and far eagerly await the next act in this cinematic saga.
A History of Questionable Projects-The City of Stonecrest has found itself at a crossroads, a stage where the promise of development and prosperity is overshadowed by the looming specter of controversy and unscrupulous dealings. At the heart of this enigmatic tale is developer Vaughn Irons, a figure whose past actions have raised eyebrows, casting a cloud over his ambitious plans for the city.
Vaughn Irons may be known for his ambitious projects, but in DeKalb County, he carries a history of questionable decisions. A troubling episode unfolded on December 15, 2022, when the DeKalb County Board of Ethics issued a public reprimand to Irons. This reprimand was the result of a hearing into allegations of ethical misconduct, specifically his dual roles as Chairman of the DeKalb County Development Authority and CEO of the for-profit private corporation, APD Solutions, LLC.
It was revealed that Irons’ company, APD Solutions, received a $1 million contract from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2012. Disturbingly, one of the commissioners, Stan Watson, who was involved in awarding the contract, later became a paid “consultant” for APD, and these financial connections were kept in the shadows. The board found that Irons’ actions were a clear violation of the county’s Ethics Code and raised concerns about conflicts of interest, non-disclosure, and a lack of transparency.
This troubling history doesn’t end there. In 2013, Irons, at the helm of APD Solutions, proposed a project known as the 2013 Panola Slope. Located along Covington Highway in District 5, this project promised an adult entertainment bar-arcade concept, restaurants, and a luxury resort, complete with a staggering 425 video gambling machines. The sheer scale of the proposal raised eyebrows, as the maximum number of gambling machines permitted anywhere in Georgia was a mere 14.
Moreover, Irons didn’t make a full disclosure about the land sale for this project. He had sold the land to Red Alligator LLC, under the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, nine months before the project’s approval by commissioners. The tribe operates The Paragon Casino Resort in Louisiana, which added a layer of complexity to the deal. Irons was also obligated to obtain permits for expanded video gambling machines as part of his purchase agreement.
The Panola Slope resort’s approval by the DeKalb County Commission stirred a hornet’s nest of controversy and scrutiny. The proposal’s proximity to the state’s legal boundaries on gambling prompted Governor Nathan Deal to order a thorough examination of the project by the Georgia Lottery Corporation board, which he appoints.
But Vaughn Irons remains unwavering in his defense of the Panola Slope project. He insists that the development is within the bounds of the law, denying any attempts to skirt regulations or engage in subterfuge. He asserts that the project is designed to deliver high energy entertainment and maintains that it operates within the legal framework.
While the Panola Slope project garnered attention, another venture, the Atlanta Sports City project, seemed poised for success. This $200 million, 200-acre development has promised to become a hub for national youth soccer tournaments. However, Atlanta Sports Connection, Inc. defaulted on a $2.25 million loan for the former Kohl’s building, raising questions about the project’s viability. A lawsuit from LaKeysa “Keya” Grant, who served as the project’s chief diversity officer, also alleges that she is owed thousands of dollars by Irons and his partners.
The City of Stonecrest, eager for growth and development, must weigh the promise of transformation against a backdrop of controversy. Vaughn Irons, the man at the center of these intricate narratives, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of ambition and scrutiny, where dreams of progress are often tempered by questions of ethics and transparency.
As Stonecrest navigates this tumultuous journey, one can only wonder if the shadows of the past will recede, allowing the city to bask in the light of a prosperous future.
Jason Lary Part Two-Mayor Jason Lary’s ambitious announcement about purchasing the former Sam’s Club near The Mall at Stonecrest, with plans for the new Stonecrest City Center and City Hall, initially seemed like a bright promise. However, it was never meant to be. The Stonecrest Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) played a key role in financing this acquisition, issuing revenue bonds totaling over $5 million for acquiring and renovating the Sears Department Store and the Sam’s Club building.
The complexity of this deal, combined with the opaqueness of the financials, has raised many eyebrows. Funds flowing into the Stonecrest URA from the lease of the building to DeKalb County for election equipment have not been adequately accounted for in the city’s audits and financial statements. Even more concerning, the financials for the Stonecrest URA or Development Authority have never undergone public scrutiny.
In this disconcerting environment, the parallels between Mayor Cobble’s leadership and her predecessor, Jason Lary, come into sharp focus. Former high-level staff members have alleged improper expenditure on business trips that removed funds from department line items without proper authorization. These actions were allegedly carried out at the request of Mayor Cobble, with Gia Scruggs playing a complicit role. There are also allegations of Ms. Scruggs’ involvement in department affairs, circumventing the City Manager.
Mayor Cobble’s unilateral decision to terminate the employment of the previous City Manager, Mrs. Jackson, without Council approval has further stirred the waters of concern. This echoes a history of pressure and bullying among city staff, reminiscent of the past administration under Jason Lary’s leadership.
As if these issues were not enough, Vaughn Irons, the developer of the Mall at Stonecrest’s former Sears building, is not without his own controversies. The sale of the Sears building, a project spearheaded by Stonecrest Resorts, LLC, involved financial arrangements that have left many baffled. Staff members advised against the transaction, but the Stonecrest Council, which acts as the URA, ignored staff recommendations. Irons faced challenges in securing the required funds, and security deeds showed a lack of financial capacity to close the deal.
Despite these concerns, Stonecrest Council pressed ahead to award Mr. Irons the contract and extended the deadlines when he failed to meet funding requirements. Staff’s recommendations to consider other proposals were summarily dismissed.
Even MARTA, the metropolitan Atlanta transit authority, approached the City with a proposal for the building, only to face rejection by the council.
The City of Stonecrest, caught in this complex web of controversies and questionable decisions, stands at a crossroads. The promises of development and prosperity have become mired in doubt and uncertainty. As the saga unfolds, the city’s residents and observers await answers, hoping that transparency, accountability, and ethical governance will ultimately guide Stonecrest toward a brighter future.