Avondale Estates lost two key members of its Downtown Development Authority.

Chairman Robert James and Co-chair Megan Grove both submitted their resignations. The DDA works to promote development of the city’s downtown commercial district.

James had been pressing the city to increase its support of the DDA. While the City Commission and DDA are legally separate entities, they do share a common interest.

“We’re looking for a formal working relationship,” James told Commissioners during a work session. “We think it is the better for the city in the long term.”

James did not specify his reasons for resigning in his letter, but told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that it was taking too long for the relationship between the two entities to improve.

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In her resignation letter, Grove said serving on the DDA put too much of a demand on her time. She also said her resignation is unrelated to James’ resignation.

“Put simply, my leadership role and commitment to my organization has me spending no less than 15 to 16 hours a day at work, often including weekends,” she wrote. “Though I am working on solutions for that, there are other commitments, like the DDA, that I am finding more and more difficult to keep.”

The city says there are three openings on the DDA, including the two created by the resignations of Grove and James. The city is currently accepting applications. The members are appointed by the board of mayor and commissioners, each serving four-year terms. The DDA meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

“The City of Avondale Estates is currently accepting applications for three openings on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA is comprised of seven members,” the advertisement from the city says. “Three members must be City residents, and four members must have a specific economic interest in the downtown area as business owners or operators. The DDA has an immediate need for two interim board members who would serve until January 28, 2016. One of those two interim members must be a downtown business owner or operator. A third opening for a regular four-year appointment takes effect Nov. 1 and that member must also be a downtown business owner or operator.”

More from the city:

Citizens provide great insight and knowledge through the City’s various boards and commissions. If you are interested in serving on the DDA complete the application. Once your application is completed, email it to [email protected] or fax it to404-299-8137, Attn: Karen Holmes. Applications are due Friday, September 11.

Here are the resignation letters from James and Grove:

Resignation Letters