The Auburn City Council held their final meeting of the month on Tuesday night. While a variety of topics were discussed, deed issues seemed to be the highlight of the conversation.
The resolution in question was a request for conditional use approval of a performance residential use and multi-unit development for property located at 814 North College St., according to City Manager Megan Crouch. A public hearing was required.
“I’m still at 814, even though you might have passed there and seen some changes,” said Lindburgh Jackson, past owner of the property. “I'm still there and I plan to remain there. I believe that the developer, along with some help from the city, coerced my 88 year-old mother to bring [the issue] before the council.”
Jackson claimed that their home was being forcibly taken from them, and he begged the council to table the issue.
“This thing has been pushed through the planning commission without my approval because of an action that was taken in the courts," Jackson said. "Presently, I am before the Alabama Supreme Court on a new law. Heirs have rights, those rights were violated. My rights were violated, my mother’s rights were violated because we were not made aware."
Another constituent addressed the council about this issue.
“The true facts in this is that my client has a deed," said Brett Basquin, Chief Engineer at Foresite Group, the engineering company over the project. "We have a deed, we have an application before you. My clients have purchased the property. There was a sale and we have a deed, and now we’d like to do the project."
According to Crouch, the city is not involved in the issue and it is up to the courts.
“We have been advised by the legal council, the deed is valid," Crouch said. "Any consideration about the deed does not involve the City Council, that’s already been decided by the court."
There will be five units located at 814 N. College St. and about 20 residents. The motion was carried in an 8-1 decision.
Another topic discussed was the contract with Beasley Construction Services Inc. They are in charge of the Lake Wilmore Park Athletic Fields Project, which is projected to cost $9,409,000.
“This project consists of four fields, a playground, a concession area and a parking lot," said Parks and Recreation Director Allison Hall. "The fields can be used as eight flag football fields, three tackle football fields, two full lacrosse fields as well as two smaller lacrosse fields."
According to Hall, there will also be six pickleball courts. All of them will be covered, lit and fenced. Fields are able to be painted according to whatever sport is being played.
“I think Beasley is ready to get started. This is a year-long contract,” Hall said regarding how long the project will take.
The motion was carried unanimously.
“This is very exciting. What a tremendous development for our community and our children," said Mayor Ron Anders. "The mission of our parks and rec is to provide opportunities for people in the community to participate in these activities. I look forward to all the things that will occur out there."
The next City Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 7 at 106 N. Ross St.
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Sam Vise, junior in journalism, is the community reporter for The Auburn Plainsman.
