BY MICHELLE KEY
MICHELLE@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
Opelika –
The Opelika City Council held a public hearing for a project agreement between the City of Opelika and The Taylor at Opelika LLC during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. As part of the settlement, the City agreed to install and construct several public infrastructure improvements identified as necessary to complete the construction of the apartment complex. These infrastructure improvements include widening/improving streets, sidewalks and utilities and more.
Ward 3 Councilman Tim Aja voted against the project agreement.
“Eighteen months ago, I voted against the zoning that passed The Taylor and since then, speaking to more of my constituency, there has been no change,” Aja said. “… and the thought process is that this is not in the best interest of Opelika. I personally think that this project will face a very uphill battle when it comes to filling, and that this complex of ‘apartments will fail at this location which will be the future main route in and out of Opelika will be a big problem for the city. I hope it doesn’t come to fruition. I can’t vote to contribute public funds to this project…
However, Aja did say that if the complex is built he wishes him the best.
“… If this project gets built, I certainly wish it the best,” Aja said. “Once built, it must succeed; this will be in the best interest of Opelika.”
The project agreement resolution passed with Ward 2 Councilmember Erica Baker-Norris abstaining from the vote, Aja voting against and the other three councilors voting in favor.
The complex will consist of 198 units and will be built on the 7.14-acre site at the intersection of Avenue C and South 10th Street. The project is expected to have a capital investment by the company of just over $35.5 million.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The City of Opelika and the Character in Action Council honored the late Selena Daniels during Tuesday night’s meeting.
Daniels, a much-loved and respected member of the community, died on August 14, 2023 at the age of 89.
Baker-Norris read the award to Daniels’ family and cheered them on.
“I chose Ms. Daniels because she had a tremendous impact on Opelika Ward 2,” Baker-Norris said. “She laid the foundation for what we call affordable housing today. If it hadn’t been for her, there are a lot of people who wouldn’t have been first-time homeowners.”
Daniel’s granddaughter, Lydia Mitchell, vowed to carry on the good work her grandmother was known for.
“On behalf of my family and my grandmother, I would like to thank you for this prestigious honor,” Mitchell said. “We definitely plan to keep the train rolling because we have huge shoes to fill. We miss her dearly and will carry on as much as we can, as long as we can, because she was an amazing woman.”
IN OTHER BUSINESSES
- Council approved an application for the annual Chain of Life event on October 22. The event will take place at the intersection of Gateway and Frederick Road from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
- The council approved a request from First Baptist Church Opelika to close the streets for its Fall Festival on Oct. 29.
- The council approved an application by Ohanamart LLC doing business as Ohanamart 3, for an off-premises retail beer and wine license.
- The council held a public hearing for weed abatement for the property located at 1819 1st Ave. and then voted to approve the assessment in the amount of $363.56.
- The council approved a bid for a residential building demolition of a structure located at 622 S. 4th St. and 315 S. 4th St. The bid was awarded to L&L Hauling and Backhoe LLC in the amount of $30,500.
- The council approved the expense reports of City Hall employees
- The council approved a resolution to designate the city’s assets as surplus and authorized their disposal.
- Council approved a resolution to amend the 2021 CDBG Program Year Action Plan and allocate $60,000 beginning in 2021 to the 2022 Action Plan budget under the Emergency home repair program.
- The council approved a resolution to amend the organizational charts by adding the positions Police Social Work Coordinator, Assistant Athletics Coordinator, Membership Coordinator/Support Worker and Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Swim Coach. Job descriptions and more information about the positions can be found on the city council agenda on the city’s website.
- The council approved the annual general liability insurance agreement with the agency Marsh & McLennan. The resolution allows premium purchase orders for the city’s insurance portfolio to not exceed $791,603.
- The board approved the group health insurance contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
- The council approved the historic preservation grant application for GW Carver Hall. The City is requesting a grant in an amount not to exceed $746,740 that will be used to repair and renovate the building.
- Council approved a professional services agreement with Barrett-Simpson for the design of McCoy Street improvements for lane realignment and pedestrian improvements. The estimated fee for these services is $189,600.
- The council approved refunding two citizens for sewerage fees paid in error.
- The council approved a resolution to transfer the council’s discretionary fund balances from the current year.
- The council approved an ordinance for an annexation petition by James M. Veasey Sr. and James M. Veasey Jr. to annex 5.2 acres of land located at 2822 Old Columbus Road in the city limits.
- Council appointed Tim Moore to the Property Maintenance Appeals Board for the existing term expiring March 16, 2024 and also to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals (New Construction) for the term existing that will expire on October 1, 2024.
- Council reappointed David Hudmon to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals (new construction) for a new term expiring October 1, 2027.
- The board reappointed James Smith Sr. to the Lee County Youth Development Center Board for a new term expiring October 1, 2027.
