Council approves Nature Creek Reserve development agreement, authorizes PID framework and annexation schedule

The Decatur City Council on Jan. 27 approved a development agreement with Libertas Decatur LP for the Nature Creek Reserve project, a multi‑phase residential development on roughly 200 acres on the city’s north side.

Staff and Libertas representatives presented concept exhibits showing two phases (about 308 lots in Phase 1 and roughly 688 total lots at full build‑out under current concepts), proposed on‑site streets, stormwater detention, and water and sanitary layouts. The project is bounded in part by the BNSF rail line and will require several off‑site infrastructure connections to integrate with the city system.

Key financial and performance terms included: a proposed public improvement district (PID) finance structure capped at $30,000,000 to fund on‑site infrastructure that would later be conveyed to the city; developer payment of impact fees at the time of building permit (the packet estimates roughly $930,000 in impact fees tied to the project as units build); developer‑funded off‑site sanitary sewer work estimated at about $5,000,000 to get Phase 1 connected; and a $2,000,000 infrastructure incentive earmarked to support plant expansion when warranted. The agreement contains performance benchmarks; for example, the city will not begin construction on a new sewer plant until 50% of Phase 1 lots are sold, and the developer agreed to timelines for construction and commencement of operations.

Council and staff discussed open-space and amenity concepts for the greenway and creek corridor that runs through the site, including pocket parks, trails and potential connectivity to downtown. The development team said they plan to preserve the creek’s integrity and to locate parks, trails, dog parks and playscapes in the green areas and around detention features; final details will be determined through subsequent plat and PD (planned development) approvals.

Council approved the development agreement contingent on final administrative and engineering signoffs and voted to adopt a related resolution setting public hearing dates for annexation of roughly 125 acres still in the ETJ (Resolution R2025‑01‑04). The council also approved a professional services agreement authorizing reimbursement of certain developer expenses tied to the project.

Action taken: council approved the Libertas development agreement (Nature Creek Reserve), authorized PID financing parameters (cap $30,000,000) and approved a resolution to schedule required public hearings for annexation (R2025‑01‑04).