Council approves sale agreement for two city lots to Community Reimagined for six townhomes

Monroe City Council on Dec. 2 approved a purchase agreement to convey two adjacent city-owned lots at 1026 and 1030 East Second Street to Community Reimagined LLC for a proposed price of $1, contingent on site-plan approval and construction milestones.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development Mark Cochran told the council the properties, at the southwest corner of East Second and Winchester, were acquired by the city through tax foreclosure and are vacant. The city will not convey title until Community Reimagined secures site-plan approval; after approval, the closing must occur by Dec. 31, 2025, subject to a one-year city extension at the city's sole discretion. Construction permits must be pulled within six months of closing, with a possible six-month extension subject to council approval.

Cochran said Community Reimagined plans six attached townhomes on the combined lot and expects the development to support the city's residential strategy by adding small and medium-density housing. He said the site can be reviewed through an administrative site-plan process under current zoning, allowing an expedited review once a complete site-plan application is submitted.

The agreement includes protections for the city: it may repurchase the property if the developer fails to meet the timetable or other milestones. Cochran said the developer may initially choose rental operation for the attached units because condominium or platted subdivision options carry additional legal and survey requirements that can delay financing and grant timing.

Motion to approve the purchase agreement was made by Councilwoman Jermaine and seconded by Councilwoman Stilgrave. Clerk roll call recorded a unanimous yes vote from Councilperson Felder, Councilperson Hader, Councilperson Stilgrave, Councilperson Vining, Councilwoman Jermaine, Councilman Lamour and Mayor Clark. The motion passed.

Community Reimagined principals were present at the meeting; resident Aaron Lavender later thanked council for support. Cochran said the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority would consider a phase I environmental assessment application from Community Reimagined the following week.

The conveyance was linked explicitly in staff materials to the council's goals for diversified economic development, corridor implementation and growing housing options, and to the Orchard East master plan objectives.