Dallas board opts for private negotiations on 130 W. Trade St.; directs officials to meet with applicant

The Board of Aldermen directed town officials to enter private negotiations over the town-owned property at 130 W. Trade St. after a previously negotiated Downtown Development Project Agreement with Whiskey Mill Bar & Grill was withdrawn.

Mayor Rick Coleman and Town Attorney Tom Hunn reviewed deed restrictions and town objectives for the parcel. The mayor recommended soliciting proposals publicly, but the board reached consensus to pursue private negotiations with Mr. Jim Bailey and to keep terms from the prior Downtown Development Project Agreement except to remove the financing portion. Alderman Withers moved that the Town Attorney, the Mayor, Alderman Cearley and Barry Webb meet to consider Mr. Bailey's proposal; Alderwoman Thomas seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The packet notes staff-level steps and that private negotiations are intended to avoid perceived bias or favoritism while still advancing a potential downtown tenant for the property.