by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The City and Maxwell House may soon swap four parcels of land if a bill under review by the City Council is approved later this month.
According to recently filed documents, the proposed land swap includes land bordering the coffee plant on East Bay Street. The purpose, said Council president Lad Daniels, is to increase access to the Sports Complex.
“From what I understand, we were going to try to have something like this in place in time for the Super Bowl,” said Daniels. “It’s very important for us to improve access near (Alltel Stadium).”
According to the Council’s Research Department, once a deal is finalized — neither entity stands to make a profit — the City will construct an East Adams Street loop around the plant and reconnect east of Palmetto Street near the Sports Complex.
The City will also install a security fence along the northern edge of the Maxwell House plant.
At the request of Kraft Foods, owner of the property, a 500-foot segment of East Adams Street was permanently closed in 2002.
Kraft had voiced concerns about outgrowing the site, and there were discussions about the plant relocating.
“Again, I think it’s very important for us to have more access in and out of the Sports Complex,” said Daniels. “I’m a big supporter of that. If Kraft is fine with this. I’m fine with this.”
Council member Jerry Holland said bill benefits both parties.
It was unanimously recommended for approval, and Holland expects similar approval from the full Council.
“We looked at it as a simple land swap that will properly align those roads and improve traffic in the area,” he said. “It doesn’t appear anyone is losing anything because of the bill.”
A funding source for the estimated $1.5 million project will be identified and requested in a later bill. No construction starting date has been decided.