The Tallulah City Council voted Jan. 8 to declare the former Coca-Cola Building surplus property, a step required under state law before the city can move forward with a sale.
The resolution passed on a 3-1 vote, with Councilmember Toriano Wells voting against the measure. Councilmembers Marjorie Day, Carla Turner-Harris and Lisa Houston voted in favor. Councilmember Joseph Scott was absent.
City officials said the action was taken to prepare the property for sale. Council members were told there are two sets of potential buyers who have expressed interest in purchasing the building.
The Coca-Cola Building, located on North Cedar Street, is owned by the city and has been vacant for years. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 23, 2013. The structure is in disrepair, with portions of the roof collapsed and sections of the walls failing.
Because of its status on the National Register, the building would have to be returned to its original state and could not be remodeled to appear different from its historic design. Any future owner would be required to follow state and federal historic preservation requirements.
During discussion, Wells raised concerns about selling a city asset while the mayor is serving in an interim role and questioned whether a sale would result in future revenue for the city. No other council members spoke in opposition to the resolution. Carla Turner-Harris said she spoke with constituents who said they support selling the building to help with blight in the city.
City officials said declaring the property surplus was the first step required before a sale can take place. A separate ordinance related to the sale and preservation requirements is expected to be introduced at a later meeting.
