Oxford board declares Cedar Oaks house surplus, authorizes sealed bids as guild seeks more time

The Oxford City Board voted to declare the Cedar Oaks house and Lots 29, 30 and 31 of the Avent Park Hill subdivision surplus and authorized advertising for sealed bids. City staff said the sale would follow Mississippi Code §21-17-1 and that sealed bids would be advertised and due by Oct. 15 (1 p.m.).

The board’s chair, Mayor (name not stated in the record), told the room the city has “no intention of selling any of the lots surrounding Cedar Oaks that are used currently as the walking path in the park,” and emphasized that those green spaces will remain city-maintained regardless of the property’s future ownership. The mayor also said Cedar Oaks is a Mississippi Landmark and that “the Mississippi landmark designation applies regardless of ownership,” meaning any alterations would require review by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH).

Mark Levy, presenting the item for staff, said the surplus resolution would declare the house and the three lots surplus and start a sealed-bid public-sale process that will include a public advertisement and bid requirements. Levy explained the timeline for public notice and confirmed sealed bids would be accepted through Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.

Former Alderman Rick Addey, speaking during public comment, urged the Guild to take the house and keep it active in the community. “Take the house. It’s free,” Addey said, adding that volunteers and local fundraising could help defray monthly expenses.

Carrie, who identified herself as the Guild president, asked the board to delay final action so the Guild could consult its membership and counsel. Carrie said the Guild can likely fund utilities but remains “very concerned about paying for the insurance,” and that event liability can raise insurance costs substantially. She asked the board for more time—until October—so the Guild’s board and counsel could provide additional information and consider options such as grants or matching funds.

An alderman moved to pass the surplus resolution to permit sealed bids; after a second the board approved the motion. Staff emphasized that advertising and the sealed-bid timetable would not remove the city’s previously stated willingness to donate the property to the Guild if the Guild later chose that option.

What happens next: staff will advertise the sale in the Oxford Eagle and online as required; sealed bids will be received with a stated deadline of Oct. 15 at 1 p.m., and the board will later determine whether to accept any offer. The board also noted any buyer would be required to obtain MDAH approvals for alterations to the landmarked property.