Residents speak out on proposed Falcons stadium - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Atlanta has been buzzing for months over the Falcons push for a new stadium, but many residents still aren't sold on the idea of helping to pay for a new $1 billion facility—even despite the team's success on the field.  On Monday night, the public got the chance to ask questions about the proposal at a forum.  

The Falcons have called the Georgia Dome home for 20 years, but now they want a new place to play.  The proposed stadium would have a retractable roof—and a hefty price tag.  

While the team would cover the bulk of the cost, and estimated $300 million would come from the state's hotel/motel tax.  Some residents believe that money could be better spent on things like infrastructure or roadways.   

But there's another side.  As Frank Poe, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center pointed out, you must also think about the up front cost and the money a new stadium could generate.  Poe said he believes with the Falcons kicking in most of the cash, they would be more invested in the project's success.  The Georgia Dome as it stands is 100% public.  

Still, some can't get over the idea that the Georgia Dome is just 20 years old, and still has a lot of life left in it.

NFL officials say a new stadium would increase the city's likelihood of landing another Super Bowl.

When asked if the new stadium was a done deal, Poe said it isn't yet—and won't be until an agreement is signed.  He added that they are very close to an agreement, and they hope to have it signed by the end of the year.  The Falcons hope to be playing in a new stadium by 2017.