BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — The Lanett City Council held a special called meeting on May12 to consider two resolutions crafted to advance the development of an access road for the municipal airport. District Four Council Member for Angelia Thomas read the resolution No. 05-25-08 entitled Resolution authorizing attorneys to file condemnation action to obtain property for Lanett Municipal Airport improvement project.
“Whereas the city of Lanett has authority pursuant to the provisions of 11-47-170a and 18-1a-1 Code of Alabama 1975 to acquire by condemnation private property for public use when acquisitions of such real property is in the public interests of the citizens of the State of Alabama. Whereas the city of Lanett is currently involved in the Lanett Municipal Airport improvement project. Whereas the city of Lanett’s Municipal Airport improvement project requires the acquisition of property or property rights in property further identified as parcel of the land containing approximately 3.4 acres located in Section 15, Township 21 North, Range 28 East and is owned by Chambers County Alliance LLC and any other person or entity maintaining ownership interest in the property.
“Whereas the city of Lanett finds the property is necessary for the further development, expansion and to provide an access road to its municipal airport. Whereas attempts to acquire such property rights by purchase from the owners have been unsuccessful. Be it resolved the city of Lanett authorizes and directs its attorney to file a condemnation action to obtain the property. This resolution is hereby adopted by the Lanett City Council this 12th day of May, 2025.”
The council voted to approve the resolution.
Next, District two Council Member Tamalita Dunn Autry read the nearly identical resolution No. 05-25-09, but for property owned by West Fraser identified as tracts 21 and 22 containing approximately 25.78 acres in the same general area as the previous property. The council voted to approve the resolution.
After the council voted, District One Council Member Tony Malone asked City Attorney Stanley Gray if it would be possible for the city to abandon the condemnation action against West Fraser if an agreement could be reached with them to purchase the land before it had been carried through. Gray assured Malone and the council that it was possible if West Fraser were to change their initial decision and accept the city’s offer to purchase the property.