Prospective buyer seeks assurance city supports north access to Alden Tract; council asks for standards in a draft MOU

Prospective buyers of the roughly 900‑acre Alden Tract north of State Highway 2004 and south of the airport discussed possible access to the property during the April 7 council meeting. City staff and the mayor said the city previously secured easements and included the north access alignment in the city’s thoroughfare plan; the prospective buyer asked for an assurance that the city supports constructing a north entrance prior to their purchase.

City staff and the buyer said the buyers intend to fund construction of the roadway if they purchase the property but need a council assurance that the city will allow the road and will accept it if it meets city standards. Councilmembers responded favorably to the request but uniformly asked staff to prepare a draft memorandum of understanding or resolution that documents the city’s support and spells out technical requirements the developer must meet.

Council members emphasized that any formal document should include engineering and construction standards—pavement section, drainage and right‑of‑way—so the city does not inherit substandard pavement or maintenance liabilities. Staff said the development group intends to focus initial phases on commercial and light‑industrial uses, with residential phases later; the council noted that certain thresholds (for example, 25 dwelling units or an apartment complex) trigger requirements for secondary entrances under local and fire‑access standards.

Council asked staff to draft the MOU/resolution for future council action; staff said it will return with language that defines expectations on pavement section, drainage, and other technical items and would present a formal document for council to consider.

Sources: staff presentation and council discussion, Lake Jackson City Council meeting, April 7, 2025.