By JIM BUTLER

A buzz started in City Hall on Monday when GAEDA posted notice of intentions to buy property in downtown Alexandria.

That agenda item for today’s 3:15 p.m. Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority meeting seems to have caught most interested parties by surprise.

The agenda includes discussion and adoption of a resolution authorizing financing purchase of property at 720 Murray St.  for $790,000.

Whether the Authority envisions establishing its permanent quarters on the site or securing it as an economic development attraction isn’t stated.

The potential financial commitment comes as GAEDA weighs its rescission options on an agreement to join the city on the Weiss & Goldring building restoration.

GAEDA’s part of that pact amounts to about $1.2 million.

The financing proposal for the Murray Street deal would go to the state Bond Commission where final approval is required.

Also on today’s agenda is discussion and approval of Executive Director Angela Varnado’s performance evaluation rubric, which in turn has bearing on any bonus qualifications in her contract.

The agenda includes no references to the La. Supreme Court recent ruling in the 2024 dispute over actions at what the court eventually ruled was an illegal meeting.

In the time between then and the ruling the Authority in essence did a redo on Varnado’s contract, among other things.

Plaintiff in that suit, John Callis, has urged the City Council to reshape the Authority or sunset it.

The Council, which meets at 5 p.m. today, has not responded. The Authority seems to be taking a water-under-the-bridge position.