ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – A group of retailers leasing space at The Wharf expressed concerns about a new buyer for the financially troubled shopping complex at the Nov. 1 meeting of the Orange Beach City Council.

According to an email from Rob Lynch of Odyssey Events, prospective owner Ken Montgomery has requested a meeting with The Wharf retail tenants for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Guy Harvey's.

Mayor Tony Kennon asked the retailers Nov. 1 if they wanted him to set up a meeting with the prospective owner. The retailers tentatively agreed and Kennon told them to come back to council chambers Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. following the regular council meeting.

Kennon said there would be “frank discussions” at the meeting.

Lynch sent out the update to The Wharf retailers this morning.

Many told the council at a Nov. 1 meeting Montgomery has been using “strong-arm” tactics in presenting sample leases to some of the business owners. The complex is currently in receivership and being operated by Greg T. Maloney out of Atlanta.

A receivership, an attorney representing Maloney’s group said, is appointed by a court to avoid foreclosure. The receiver’s job is to find a buyer for the property while keeping it operating to make it attractive to prospective buyers.

The city’s concerns surround a tax deal with the property owners which gives the owner 50 percent of all city sales taxes collected at The Wharf. Questions from council members and Mayor Kennon hinted that the city may be considering revoking this “warrant.”

“Our responsibility is to the City of Orange Beach and to see the taxpayers are protected and served,” Kennon said.

There is currently a contract on the property and a closing date has been tentatively set for Jan. 6.