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Council signals direct sale of 700 W. Hardy Way to Mesquite Christian Academy; contract to return for final approval
Summary
Council directed staff to pursue a direct sale of the city‑owned property at 700 West Hardy Way to local owner Jeff Bird for use by Mesquite Christian Academy, with staff to complete required matrix/appraisal checks and return a contract to council.
The Mesquite City Council on May 13 authorized staff to pursue a direct sale of city property at 700 W. Hardy Way to local business owner Jeff Bird for use as a larger campus for Mesquite Christian Academy, subject to staff due diligence and returning a purchase contract to council for final approval.
Why it matters: The 2.59‑acre site sits next to the police department and includes a 9,600‑square‑foot building. Jeff Bird told the council he has floor plans, a preliminary loan preapproval and letters of interest from prospective tenants; he said the front portion of the building would become the school and remaining space would be leased to businesses.
Council discussion and next steps: City staff outlined options: a sealed public bid or a direct sale. The council chose to proceed with a direct sale pathway, asking staff to verify appraisal/matrix requirements and to return a draft purchase contract to the council. Councilman Innes moved the item and expressed a preference to bring the final contract back to the next council meeting for council review of earnest money, due‑diligence period and any deed restrictions.
Price and process: During public discussion Mr. Bird stated he planned an initial offer of $750,000; councilmembers asked staff to complete legal and appraisal checks under the city’s economic‑development matrix before a final contract is executed. City staff noted state and charter requirements about appraisals and discounts may apply and that staff would prepare the contract with applicable deed restrictions if the sale proceeds.
Public comment: Current parents, students and teachers from Mesquite Christian Academy spoke in support of the purchase, describing limited classroom space and saying the school would expand operations and local employment if the purchase proceeds. Several speakers and a council member asked staff to complete required legal and appraisal work and return with a contract for formal vote.
Ending: The council did not complete a final sale at the meeting but approved proceeding with a direct sale negotiation and directed staff to produce a contract and matrix/legal analysis for a subsequent council agenda.
