The Preston City Council on Aug. 11 agreed in principle to a land‑for‑land swap with developer TJC Construction intended to meet the city’s 7.194‑acre open‑space requirement for the proposed Denton Maker subdivision, and asked staff to finalize legal descriptions and a formal agreement.

Council and the developer debated the arithmetic and parcel geometry during the meeting but moved to approve a motion that the swap include the 2.5‑acre “teardrop” piece and additional acreage so that the total open‑space requirement would be met when final surveys and legal descriptions are completed. The council’s approval was framed as an agreement in principle to allow the developer to proceed with a preliminary plat.

Why it matters: The land‑for‑land swap would deliver developable open space to the city, potentially providing access and a larger consolidated parcel the city can use for parks and recreation, while the developer will place required green space adjacent to the subdivision’s multifamily area.

What was proposed: Developer Tony Crockett said the subdivision ordinance requires 7.194 acres of open space. His proposal sets aside 4.07 acres within the multifamily portion of the project and offers two off‑site pieces — the 2.58‑acre teardrop and a 1.26‑acre rectangle — to the city as the swap to equal the required total. Crockett said final acreage will be fixed after survey work.

Council questions and staff input: Council members raised concerns about mismatched arithmetic in several figures presented at the meeting and urged that exact parcel sizes and descriptions be confirmed before final approval; city staff and the city attorney confirmed the municipal code allows land‑for‑land swaps or buyouts when approved by the council. Council members stressed the city’s interest in consolidating land that the city already owns and in ensuring green space serves both the new multifamily residents and long‑term park planning.

Action taken: The council voted to approve the land‑for‑land swap in principle, asking the developer and City Planning staff to work out final survey details and a formal agreement for a future council action. No final conveyance or deed changes were executed that night.

Discussion vs. decision: The council’s vote was limited to approving the concept and authorizing staff to draft the legal agreement; the final transfer and legal descriptions must return to council for formal approval.

Ending: The developer will proceed with the preliminary plat process; city staff will coordinate surveys, legal descriptions, and a buy‑out or transfer agreement to be presented to council for final approval.