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Council introduces sale of small city tract to Delta Airline Drive LLC; debate over transparency and zoning
Summary
The council introduced a first reading to sell a roughly one‑third‑acre tract (assessment 148723) to Delta Airline Drive LLC for an appraised $295,000. Council members debated whether the sale appeared prearranged, discussed statutory advertising requirements and zoning/curb‑cut implications near Green Acres Middle School; the item will be advertised for public bids and return for final reading Nov. 18.
On first reading the council introduced an ordinance to sell city property (assessment number 148723) to Delta Airline Drive LLC for an appraised $295,000 under La. R.S. 33:47.12. The property is described in discussion as approximately one‑third of an acre between an office building and the Green Acres Middle School driveway.
Councilman Cliff Smith moved to continue and advertise the parcel; after debate about whether a buyer had approached the city and how an appraisal had been obtained, that motion failed. Council discussion focused on transparency (why the buyer’s name was on the agenda), whether the city had solicited bids previously, and whether selling at appraised value precludes higher offers.
City staff (Nottingham) explained the buyer approached the city and that the sale must be publicly advertised per the statutory process; the property is currently zoned RA (residential agriculture) and any curb‑cut or access for commercial use would require approvals from other agencies. Legal counsel (Jacobs) agreed there is typically no prohibition on accepting a price above appraised value, though he cautioned he had not researched the specific question on the record and would follow up.
Public commenters raised concerns about what commercial uses might locate next to a middle school; one resident suggested a liquor store would be inappropriate given pedestrian traffic and proximity to students. Administration said the sale would be advertised once the ordinance is introduced and would not be binding until final reading, which was scheduled to return Nov. 18.
The council ultimately proceeded with the agenda item after votes; staff said the sale would be publicly advertised in accordance with the statute and that a competing purchaser could present a higher bid during the advertisement period.
