AUBURN — The Sept. 1 Auburn City Council meeting ended abruptly after nearly two hours amid finger-pointing over the fallout from the approved redevelopment of two aging apartment complexes, according to the Opelika Observer.
Two weeks after the council signed off on conditional-use requests to redevelop Lemans Square and the Chateau apartments — complexes built in 1973 that primarily house lower-income residents — civil rights organizations, faith leaders and private citizens filled the meeting room to warn that current tenants face displacement and possible homelessness.
Lee County NAACP President Laticia Smith said she was disappointed in the city’s response before, during and after the vote, and asked the city to help with rental applications, security deposits, moving expenses, credit filing, landlord risk and housing mitigation.
Speakers also argued the city has not done enough to attract and build affordable housing as student developments and subdivisions rise around town, with one resident noting livable homes in the area now start near $300,000.
The Observer’s Daniel Schmidt has the full account of the meeting.
Source: Opelika Observer
Opelika Daily News — Thursday Report, September 3, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
