Avondale Estates approves land swap to secure stormwater tract amid questions about related DDA financing

The Avondale Estates Board of Mayor and Commissioners voted unanimously June 10 to exchange a section of abandoned Franklin Street and small remnant parcels for an approximately 0.7-acre stormwater detention tract being offered by 278 Oak Holdings LLC.

The swap was described by staff member Stephen as the outcome of an extended work-session review and one part of a broader downtown infrastructure plan. "This is the transaction that we've discussed ... in detail at the last work session," Stephen told the board, adding that appraisals from CB Richard Ellis showed the stormwater tract "is significantly more valuable and therefore qualifies for this type of no dollars changing hands transaction." The tract is intended to receive stormwater runoff from downtown and nearby properties, easing long-standing drainage needs.

Why it mattered: commissioners said the city gains a larger, higher-value parcel suitable for long-term public ownership and management of stormwater, while the developer receives small remnant parcels adjacent to the town green and other rights-of-way.

Concerns about separate DDA funding: much of the public discussion centered on a related but legally distinct element of the broader downtown project: a $2.2 million appraisal-backed property conveyance to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) tied to a future Washington Street extension. Commissioner Stedman read contract language and said the development contract "does not require construction of the road begin, reach specific construction milestones, or be completed before funds are released," and asked what protections exist if the project fails to move forward. That concern was characterized in the discussion as a question about timing and recovery of the $2.2 million if development does not proceed.

Stephen and other staff clarified the two issues are separate: the evening's resolution concerns the former Franklin Street remnant being swapped for the stormwater tract, while the $2.2 million figure represents an appraisal-based value of a different privately owned parcel that the DDA will receive by deed. Stephen said the $2.2 million is the appraised value of the future Washington Street property and that the escrow release for those funds is triggered by conveyance of that deed, not by commencement of road construction: "When the developer delivers a deed that makes it our property forever, then they receive the money," he said.

The vote and next steps: after questions and clarifications, Commissioner Swazo moved to approve the exchange; Commissioner Smith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Staff said the developer would help landscape and maintain the feature but the city will retain ownership of the stormwater tract; the agreement was advertised as required and the parties anticipate closing by the end of the month.

What remains unresolved: several commissioners asked staff to confirm contract safeguards and the reimbursement schedule for infrastructure reimbursements administered by the DDA, and requested clear documentation showing the distinct triggers that release escrowed funds. Staff said those details are governed by the development and intergovernmental agreements and would be available for review.

Votes at a glance: - Property-exchange resolution (Franklin Street remnants for stormwater tract): approved (voice vote, unanimous).

This action secures a publicly owned stormwater facility intended to serve downtown and ties into a multi-step redevelopment and public-infrastructure program overseen in part by the DDA.