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Work session previews plan to abandon part of Franklin/Potter Avenue for redevelopment; residents urge protections for utilities and access
Summary
Staff told the board it will present an April 8 resolution to abandon a highlighted portion of Franklin (also called Potter) to enable a Washington Street extension and a private redevelopment project; residents said visible water lines, a hydrant and gas lines must be protected by easements before any abandonment and asked for a formal public hearing and notice to adjacent owners.
City staff briefed the board on a proposed resolution that would abandon the public transportation right of way on a highlighted portion of Franklin Street (referred to on some maps as Potter Avenue) so a Washington Street extension and private redevelopment can proceed. Staff said the abandonment is limited to the highlighted segment and that overall street connectivity is expected to improve because the planned Washington extension would be built to city standards.
Staff explained abandonment is a legal act that removes the public’s right to use the way for transportation; it does not automatically close the street or extinguish utility rights. Staff said the city would still own the property after abandonment and any subsequent disposal or conveyance of the parcel would require public notice, and would be subject to title searches that would confirm recorded easements.
During public comment Taylor Means (3116 Elm Street), a property owner likely affected by the proposed abandonment, told the board she could see blue marker paint indicating water lines, pointed to a nearby fire hydrant and said gas lines also serve her property. Means said she was in active discussions with the developer but urged the city to ensure easements or other protections for utility access and vehicular access are addressed before any final vote.
Kathy Kingsbury (817 Stratford) asked whether Georgia law requires a formal public hearing and how the city would schedule notice to adjacent owners. Staff said the city would follow public‑notice requirements, run legal ads and send notice to abutting property owners as part of any future disposal process and that title work would clarify easement rights.
Staff also noted the Downtown Development Authority has pledged Tax Allocation District (TAD) funds to match a grant for the Washington Street infrastructure work; staff said infrastructure construction would be prioritized before vertical development and any distribution of resources would require permitting and standards compliance.
The board did not vote on abandonment at the work session; staff said the matter will be on the April 8 regular meeting agenda and that additional public process and property‑law steps would follow.
