Atlanta mayor explores Civic Center sale outside of auction

ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is considering selling the Civil Center outside of an auction already under way. <br /> <br /> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that bids on the 20-acre property were below what city leaders hoped to make off a sale. <br /> <br /> Reed said Friday he's been approached by an investment group willing to pay a higher price for the performing arts center. He would not name the potential buyer. City attorneys are trying to determine whether the sale can be made. <br /> <br /> Reed said he believes the public would want him to sell for the maximum value possible. The mayor said it may also be possible to rebid the project. <br /> <br /> He expects to have an answer to his legal question in a week.