Freeport City Council on Oct. 1 approved a low-cost property sale negotiated by the Freeport Economic Development Corporation to Grama Sees (operating as Mama C's) for $10, conditional on refurbishments, creation of five jobs and a five-year operating requirement.

The resolution approved the second reading of an economic development agreement recommended unanimously by the EDC board after a public hearing. The EDC negotiated a sale of 212 West Park Avenue (the structure that formerly housed Lucy Goose) for a nominal price ($10 as stated in the meeting). The agreement requires the purchaser to complete outlined refurbishments, create five jobs and keep the business open for at least five years; failure to meet benchmarks would revert the property to the EDC.

Council discussion and conditions: Council members asked for the expected renovation budget (Johnson — roughly $125,000–$150,000), whether the buyer could access the recently authorized EDC improvement grants (staff: nothing prohibiting that), and whether utilities, drainage and sewer infrastructure had been scoped (staff: water, sewer and gas scopes completed; utility-service points and alley infrastructure may require improvements during buildout). Councilmembers raised concerns about known site issues, including drainage and a grease-trap configuration that crosses adjacent property; staff said the development agreement and easements would address these operational matters.

Council direction and developer remarks: Several councilmembers asked that the finalized development agreement be returned to council for review before execution; staff indicated the contract is between the EDC and buyer once the project is approved but agreed to provide the draft to council if the council requested it. The prospective owner (in the meeting) urged council to approve the project, saying she was ready to begin work and had engineering input in hand.

Outcome: The motion to approve the resolution passed 4–1 (Councilman Davis recorded as the dissenting vote). Council and staff agreed the EDC attorney would draft the development agreement and that city staff would work with the developer on alley and utility issues; council urged careful legal review to avoid future litigation.

Actions recorded:
- Resolution approving the EDC economic development agreement with Grama Sees / Mama C's (second reading): Approved 4–1.

Speakers referenced include Robert Johnson (EDC director), the prospective developer (identified in packet as Albert and Crystal Pena; the applicant who spoke in favor used first-person remarks), and multiple council members who questioned details. The council asked for the final contract to be reviewed by council prior to final execution.