Opelika CRA approves $100,000 for training school’s interior rehab, with lease condition

The City of Opelika Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the CRA director to enter a license agreement under the commercial rehab program for 2190 Alibaba Avenue, providing $100,000 toward interior renovations for Award Excellence Training Institute.

The approval followed a presentation from Raymond Andrews, who identified himself as a representative of Award Excellence Training Institute and described the school’s plans to provide training in electrical, HVAC, carpentry, project management and to offer a high‑school diploma pathway. "We provide skilled trade trainings to the community and individuals that are seeking career trades," Andrews said.

Board members said they supported the workforce training goals but pressed for protections so CRA dollars would not permanently improve a building if the tenant left. Board member Kelly moved to approve the resolution; Vice Chair Nakisha Williams seconded the motion. Board member Bass offered and the board adopted an amendment requiring staff to secure a longer-term commitment from the property owner (for example, an extension of the tenant’s lease or a contractual obligation with the owner) before final execution of the license agreement.

Tierney, the CRA director, told the board the license agreement would be written with the property owner rather than directly with Andrews, and staff would return to the board with the finalized agreement at the July meeting. "The agreement that we signed, which this resolution allows us to write up an agreement, is actually with the property owner," Tierney said, noting that a landlord-level agreement would allow the CRA to include protections for the CRA’s investment.

Members recorded unanimous votes on both the amendment and the underlying resolution. The clerk recorded all votes as "Yes" from Vice Chair Williams, Board members Santiago, Bass, Irving, Kelly and Chair Russell.

The board and applicant discussed project scope and timing: Andrews told the board the work would include drywall, framing, ceiling, electrical, plumbing and installation of three new toilets and three new sinks. He and staff also described a budget shortfall: Andrews said the overall project budget was about $169,000 and that the CRA contribution would be $100,000; several board members referenced the $69,000 remaining need.

Board members asked for documentation before the agreement is finalized, including photos of the space and evidence of any extended lease or landlord commitment. Vice Chair Williams and others agreed the CRA should help promote the training to Opelika residents once the agreement is finalized.

Notes: This resolution authorizes staff to draft and execute a license agreement subject to final legal review and to staff securing a longer-term lease commitment from the property owner; staff will bring the final signed agreement back to the board in July for confirmation.