Northport Opts To Rescind RFP For Northport Community Center

NORTHPORT, AL — A motion by District 1 Councilwoman Christy Bobo on Monday was unanimously approved by the Council to rescind Beeker Property Group's RFP for commercial development for the Northport Community Center property.

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As Patch previously reported, the 180-day due diligence period with Beeker Property Group for a proposed retail development on the property went into effect with the Council's approval on June 1 and concluded at the end of November.

Bobo made the motion, which was seconded by District 2's Woodrow Washington III, and explained that she wanted to see the city make repairs to the community center building and find different uses for it as a city property.

The debate over the property goes back for years, including a failed push in the past to secure a Krispy Kreme on the site, but recently came to a head as city leaders were regularly confronted by grassroots activists seeking to preserve the community center while preserving the adjoining park.

Over the summer, Bobo, along with District 4 Councilwoman Jamie Dykes, were the only two council members to vote against the repeal of the requirement for a unanimous vote of the council to sell any property relating to parks and recreation — namely the Northport Community Center.

Despite this passing 3-2, Northport Mayor John Hinton said in July that he would veto the proposed sale of the Northport Community Center property and its adjacent park if the deal makes it out of the 180-day due diligence period for the city and Beeker Property Group.

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