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Tuscaloosa council authorizes mayor to negotiate voluntary buyouts for three flood‑prone Academy Drive homes
Summary
The council granted the mayor authority to negotiate voluntary, appraisal‑guided buyouts for three properties in the Academy Drive neighborhood to reduce repeat flooding, with funding to come from upcoming budget amendments and the neighborhood drainage fund.
The Tuscaloosa City Council authorized the mayor to negotiate voluntary buyouts for three flood‑prone homes in the Academy Drive neighborhood after a briefing on repeated flooding in the area.
City officials said the negotiations would be voluntary, guided by independent appraisals, and subject to final council approval. “Any sort of buyout would have to be voluntary,” the mayor said. The city plans to fund the negotiations in part through budget amendments to be considered by the finance committee and with remaining costs coming from the neighborhood drainage fund.
Council members and staff described continuing flood risk in the Academy Drive area even after planned drainage improvements. City staff identified three properties recommended for “protected buyouts” or voluntary purchase: the Kirby property at 2126 Antietam, the Limbaugh property at 636 Stone River, and the Goldsmith property at 641 Stone River. Staff noted that some sections of roadway and back‑yard flow paths cause recurring inundation of the homes being recommended for purchase.
Officials said buyouts would help create space for improved drainage or neighborhood open space; staff told council members they had discussed the idea with the homeowners association and suggested the city and HOA could convert acquired lots to pocket parks or other neighborhood amenities.
Council members emphasized this is a short‑term mitigation step and that longer‑term work remains necessary. One council member said the council would move the related budget items through projects and finance committees soon to begin implementing short‑term work; he also described a separate, larger project estimate discussed in committee. Staff cautioned that even with the estimated $3.7 million drainage project for the area, the homes might still face flooding, which is why the buyout option is being recommended.
The council approved the authorization in a voice vote; staff said final acquisition terms would return to the council for approval and that appraisals would be used as the negotiation guideline.
Officials indicated the protected buyout approach could be used in other districts if the broader Noah’s Ark drainage plan moves forward.
