Martinsville proposes RFP to turn ~20 vacant city lots into housing; lots and hookups offered as incentives

City staff presented a draft statement of qualifications and development agreement on Nov. 18 to encourage private development of about 20 city‑owned vacant lots.

Mr. Bridges summarized the approach: the city would offer lots and existing utility taps to selected developers under a two‑stage award process that first evaluates firm qualifications and then considers proposals’ fit with neighborhood context. "Basically, a lot would be free," Bridges said, adding that recipients would be required to construct taxable improvements within roughly 12–18 months and that staff may include liquidated damages or clawback provisions in development agreements.

Bridges identified candidate parcels in multiple neighborhoods (York Street, Wingfield, Oak, Jordan, Cherry, Village Street, Morningside Lane, Ferris Mill) and noted some lots may have restrictions (donation covenants, VDOT conveyance limits or land‑bank status) that require title exams before a parcel is offered. He recommended a selection committee including city manager’s office staff, community development and utility staff plus citizen members to evaluate respondents and stressed compliance with applicable federal/community development grant criteria where relevant.

Councilors asked staff to run title exams, verify land‑bank or other restrictions, and route the draft RFP and development agreement to the city attorney for legal review. A formal resolution authorizing the SOQ/RFP advertisement was presented to council during the regular session; members voted to approve it subject to final legal review and return of development agreements for council approval on a case‑by‑case basis.

The action is intended to convert negative, maintenance‑heavy lots into tax‑producing properties while encouraging neighborhood‑sensitive infill and (where appropriate) market‑rate and affordable housing options.