Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Property Disposition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City to solicit proposals for 17-acre Arrington Woods parcel, staff warns infrastructure costs likely
Summary
City staff told the City Council’s Economic Development and Zoning Committee that the 17-acre Arrington Woods parcel will be offered via request for proposals; staff noted an appraisal of $1,275,000 and said substantial public infrastructure spending is likely if development proceeds.
Council members at the Sept. 15 committee meeting directed staff to advertise a request for proposals for a 17-acre parcel known as Arrington Woods. Taylor, a city staff member, told the Economic Development and Zoning Committee the city owns three adjacent parcels being marketed together and that the property appraised at $1,275,000 this year.
The committee was told the city will solicit proposals as a package, not as separate parcel bids, and staff will return to the full council with recommendations rather than approving proposals directly. "It appraised out at $1,275,000," Taylor said. City staff and council members discussed the likelihood that public infrastructure—roads and other off-site work—would be required and could cost "a couple [of] million dollars," as Taylor put it.
Why it matters: the parcel is large relative to typical infill lots in the city, and decisions about its sale or development could shape housing supply, developer interest, and the scale of public infrastructure spending.
Key details: the staff presentation said portions of the site carry R-5 zoning that allows limited multifamily use, but the city plans to issue a single RFP for all three parcels together. The draft RFP included the appraisal value but did not set a minimum opening bid; staff noted they would receive and consider offers below appraisal. The city attorney said that if the council relied solely on the appraisal method it would be required to accept a bid no less than 80% of the appraised value, but staff said they are seeking competitive proposals and creativity rather than a strict appraisal-only sale.
Council discussion included concern for local builders. Alderman Murphy asked whether local developers would be disadvantaged by a single large-sale approach; Taylor said developers could propose collective arrangements or subdeveloper agreements, and staff has consulted both local and national builders about the site.
Next steps: staff will advertise the RFP and bring any proposals and a recommendation back to the council for a final decision.
Ending note: council members emphasized they could reject any and all proposals if none meet the city’s objectives or needs.
