In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to sell a city-owned property that has faced challenges in attracting bids since its initial appraisal in 2020. The property, originally valued at $380,000, has undergone multiple rounds of bidding without success until a recent offer was made.
The city first advertised the property for sale on November 15, 2020, but received no bids after several attempts, including a second advertisement in January 2021, which also yielded no responses. A third advertisement in June 2023 finally resulted in a single bid from D.R. Horton, which was initially for $285,000 but later negotiated to $320,000. This bid is particularly notable as it comes from a developer who has already constructed approximately 90 homes adjacent to the property, indicating a potential for further residential development in the area.
However, the meeting revealed that a competing offer had emerged from Lewis Golden, who submitted a letter of intent and proof of funds well after the bidding deadline. Officials expressed concerns about the legitimacy of this late offer, noting that Golden had not participated in any of the previous bidding rounds despite being included in email notifications sent to 183 recipients.
The discussions also highlighted the property's location, which is bordered by both residential developments and a commercial transfer station, raising questions about its suitability for further residential projects. City officials are now considering tightening the terms of the sale to ensure a more secure transaction before proceeding with any agreements. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future of the property and its potential impact on the surrounding community.