Commission directs attorney to send 90-day vacate letter to tenant at recently acquired Nickel Avenue property

The Anderson City Redevelopment Commission voted to direct the city attorney to draft a letter advising the tenant of a recently acquired property to vacate within 90 days from the letter date.

Staff explained the tenant (operating as Wigs and More) has continued to send rent checks to the former owner despite the lease having expired in July and the city taking title to the property in September. Staff noted the arrangement—checks sent to the former owner that are then signed over—cannot be sustained as a long-term solution.

Commissioners debated giving the tenant time to relocate versus immediately insisting on rent collection and proof of insurance. Unidentified Speaker 1 and others supported allowing 90 days to help the business find an alternate location. Unidentified Speaker 4 proposed amending the motion to require the tenant to remit rent to the city and maintain insurance; a point of order and conversation about who could amend the motion followed and the amendment was not adopted.

The commission then voted to authorize the attorney to draft and send a 90-day vacate letter. During public comment, Kim Townsend (Speaker 8) identified herself as a local resident and asked the commission to consider relocation assistance, noting the business carries products important to African American residents and long-standing customers. Donna Hawes (Speaker 9) asked whether the city has liability insurance on the property; staff clarified the city has coverage for its operations but was cautious about adding additional insurance on a building planned for demolition.

The motion directs staff and the attorney to handle the notice process and to coordinate relocation assistance if feasible; commissioners asked staff to return to the commission if material complications arise.