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Balch Springs outlines plan to dispose of 43 vacant parcels using development agreements and RFPs
Summary
Staff presented an inventory of vacant city‑owned parcels and described four disposal methods—tax‑foreclosure agreements with taxing entities, county auction, RFP, and negotiated development agreements—with a preference for development agreements to secure infrastructure and housing outcomes.
Balch Springs — City staff on Aug. 11 briefed the City Council on an inventory and strategy for disposing of roughly 43 vacant parcels the city currently owns, with a preference for negotiated development agreements that trade lots for specified public‑improvement commitments.
Chris Dysher of the Business & Capital department told council the city and its Economic Development Corporation hold about 66 parcels total (including parks and facilities), with approximately 43 parcels classified as vacant and 182 acres when accounting for all holdings. Staff noted constraints that keep parcels vacant, including floodplain designation, landlocked parcels and access limitations.
Dysher described four disposal pathways: negotiated agreements with other taxing entities after tax‑foreclosure acquisition, county bid auctions, formal requests for proposals (RFPs) where the city can set development terms in advance, and development agreements—preferred because they give the city leverage to negotiate infrastructure commitments (sidewalks, enhanced landscaping) and housing product types, and to control timing and design. Dysher said staff is already meeting with local builders and national infill developers and expects to return with specific proposals.
Council members asked for periodic updates and for coordination with the EDC and for the city to prioritize redevelopment that supports the comprehensive and strategic plans. No formal action was taken; staff said they will continue outreach and return with selected development agreements or RFPs for council consideration.
