Council authorizes deed for Murray Franklin development, clearing path for $45 million, ~80-unit project

The Anderson City Council approved Ordinance 25-14 on second reading at its first September meeting, authorizing the execution of a deed for city-owned property at the corner of Murray Avenue and Franklin Street to enable a private development.

City Manager McKeown told the council the Murray Franklin development is a planned project valued at about $45 million with roughly 80 apartment units. He said the city has been working on the project since December 2022 and that the developer secured competitive state tax credits needed to proceed.

"This before you allows us to execute the deed and to close on the property," McKeown said, noting the developer had requested and received one extension of the purchase contract to October and had notified the city it was prepared to close.

McKeown also said the project team held a design retreat and that the city had been in contract for the site. Council members last heard from one of the project's equity owners and consultant Sarah Nieman at the prior meeting; a representative from the developer (identified in packet materials as Presswood) attended the earlier session, city staff said.

Council member Thompson moved to approve Ordinance 25-14; Mr. Steele seconded. The council voted to approve the ordinance; the motion passed unanimously.

No amendments or conditions were recorded on the council floor during the vote. The ordinance authorizes the city to deed the specified property to complete the Murray Franklin project's closing as outlined in the purchase contract.