The Chamblee Downtown Development Authority on Oct. 15 authorized its chair, in consultation with DDA counsel, to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with Windsor Stevens on tax-incentive terms for the Fraser at Old Town Gordon project.

The vote authorizes only negotiation and drafting of an MOU; the motion as approved requires additional board approval before any MOU may be executed. The motion passed unanimously.

Board member Mr. Chick moved the motion and read the authorization into the record: “The board hereby authorizes the chair of the DDA in consultation with the counsel for the DDA on behalf of the DDA to negotiate with Windsor Stevens and prepare a memorandum of understanding regarding such incentives that is consistent with administrative fees, and that the additional approval of the board shall be required for the execution of such a memorandum of understanding.” The motion was seconded and carried without objection.

The applicant representative told the board the proposed deal includes three clarifications that were added after earlier meetings: community parking access, an extended affordability period, and an annual affordability compliance payment. According to that representative, the tax abatement request itself would be for 20 years while the affordability commitments will be recorded as a land‑use restriction agreement on the deed for 30 years. The applicant representative also stated the project will provide 40 parking spaces available between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.; 20 of those spaces will be reserved for retail customers during daytime hours, and 20 spaces will remain available after 5 p.m. for restaurant/nighttime uses.

The applicant representative also said the developer agreed to an annual affordability‑compliance payment of $25,000 per year for 30 years, recorded by deed restriction. Board members discussed timing and asked staff to expedite drafting because one parcel required for the project remains under contract.

Board member Mike and other members clarified that this vote only authorizes negotiation and drafting: final details will be reviewed by the board and must be approved in a later action. Several members expressed willingness to hold special‑called meetings if needed to complete the MOU before holidays. Mr. Chick and staff said they will try to expedite the draft.

The board did not vote on the substance of any final incentive agreement at the Oct. 15 meeting; the action authorizes the chair and counsel to negotiate terms and return to the board for approval.