The design phase and environmental approvals associated with the first phase of the DeRenne By-Pass project are nearly complete and the Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition phase is set to begin in the second quarter of 2022. This project will require ROW acquisition across forty-three parcels, the majority of which are residential. The ROW acquisition phase will require three years to complete.

The City is going above and beyond the normal requirements of the Uniform Act (Federal law) and Georgia Landowner’s Bill of Rights (State law) and is establishing a Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) to provide additional resources to property owners and tenants affected by the property acquisition needed for Project DeRenne. The RAP will be chaired by City staff and operated by a committee of City, Federal, State and local partners. A location (office) near the project area is needed to house the RAP so that affected owners and tenants can obtain information and resources on the project, meet with appraisers, acquisition agents, consultants and resource providers/partners, and obtain other resources and services.

Staff has identified a 1,500 square foot space at 5521 Abercorn Street, Unit 400, as a nearby and functional location for the RAP. This location is directly adjacent to the City-owned Development Services building and within walking distance of affected properties. Proposed terms follow:

• Monthly rent of $2,844 ($34,128/year).
• Three (3) year base term, with the option to extend for two (2) additional one-year terms.
• The City shall have the option of early termination of the lease after one (1) year.
• Landlord is responsible for exterior maintenance and capital expenses, while Tenant (City) is responsible for interior maintenance items.

Staff has procured a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and broker opinion of value from the City’s annual contract real estate broker, Collier’s International. Colliers’ opinion of value for this space is $20-$22 per square foot triple net base rent. The proposed contract rent is $19/SF triple net.

Funding will be paid with project funds.

Approval