Tuscaloosa council withdraws Delaney development agreement; resident seeks clarity on next steps

The Tuscaloosa City Council voted to withdraw the execution of a development agreement with Delaney Property Group LLC during its meeting. The clerk moved the withdrawal, a motion was seconded, and the council voted to withdraw the resolution.

During the citizens’ comment period, Susie Smith of 17 Springbrook asked what would happen next and whether the developer would need to submit a new proposal or return to the finance committee. "Will the process be submission of a new proposal? Will it go before the finance committee again? Will the legal notice go in the newspaper?" Smith asked.

A city staff member responded that "before this body hears any economic incentive request, there has to be the legal notice published in the newspaper at least 7 days before they hear it," and that the item would be published again and then come before the council. The staff member said the city has been negotiating with the developer and that the resolution initially noticed did not reflect the current terms of those negotiations.

On whether the matter would return to the finance committee, the staff member said it was not anticipated but that the council retains discretion: "This council has discretion at this point of whether it wants to go back to finance committee or not," the staff member said. Susie Smith urged council members to visit the proposed Springbrook site to better understand neighborhood conditions before any future deliberations.

The council took the withdrawal action after earlier public-notice procedures were reviewed; no additional public speakers addressed the withdrawal at the meeting. The council proceeded with other business and later adjourned.