ORANGE BEACH — Five years after Larry Wireman with Turquoise Properties sued the City of Orange Beach relating to certain properties previously transferred to the city, a settlement has been unanimously approved.

Wireman transferred two tracts of land to the city as a development fee for Turquoise Place in Orange Beach with specifications on how they were to be used. In 2020, he sued the city alleging the property was not used as stipulated in the contract.

At a special-called meeting on Nov. 21, Orange Beach City Council approved the transfer of the two lots on Perdido Beach Boulevard, next to Turquoise Place, one consisting of a little less than an acre known as the "Gulf Tract" and the adjacent plot measuring approximately 5.7 acres known as the "Cotton Bayou Tract."

The city relinquished any rights held as property owner but was allowed permanent pedestrian and vehicular access on the Gulf Tract for access to the gulf and beach area for the "purpose of providing municipal services," as detailed in the settlement agreement.

In exchange, the city will receive three tracts located along Canal Road, owned by Cayman Grill.

One of the plots, located next to Orange Beach High School, currently contains an ABC Store. As part of the agreement, Wireman and Cayman Grill will ensure the tenant vacates the property within 30 days of the end of the current lease or once the certificate of occupancy for the new building is issued, whichever is later.

The agreement states Wireman represents the ABC Store tenant in their agreement to the anticipated move.

In addition to the land exchange, the city also paid Wireman $500,000.

Wireman was not in attendance at the special meeting, but Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon delivered a message saying Wireman called before the meeting to tell the city he is appreciative of this settlement and is hopeful for good activity going forward.

As detailed in the settlement agreement, this was the third attempt to settle the dispute.

"It's another lawsuit off the books, so it's all good," Kennon said as he left the special meeting.