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Council debates development minimums in proposed sale of Lombard parcel
Summary
Ironton council members debated changing a provision that would require the successful bidder on the Lombard property to build a minimum number of homes, with some urging a reduction from 20 to 12 units and others urging that deed restrictions and covenants enforce construction requirements.
Council members spent more than an hour debating the terms of ordinance 24-33, which would authorize the mayor to advertise for bids and accept offers above $300,000 for a city-owned parcel known as the Lombard property.
The ordinance, presented by the administration, includes a provision (section 3b) stating the successful bidder must construct a minimum number of residential dwellings. "Why 20?" a council member said, proposing an amendment to lower the minimum to 12 dwellings while keeping a total development-value expectation. The council member said smaller-lot development and more housing options would broaden the market for buyers.
The solicitor told the council the process is legally specific: the advertised bids will be dollar amounts and the deed conveyed to the successful bidder can include covenants and restrictions that require construction. "If the restrictions aren't met, that property reverts back to the city," the solicitor said. He cautioned that bid documents differ from construction specifications and suggested that if the council wants to ensure certain uses or job counts, the ordinance language and bid documents must be reworked.
Several members urged caution about rushing an unclear ordinance. One council member recommended more committee discussion and suggested the matter be revisited with clarifying language; the chair proposed a strategic-planning meeting before the next council session to draft amendments and discuss residential versus commercial options.
The council did not vote on final adoption of ordinance 24-33 at the meeting; members directed staff and the solicitor to rework the language and scheduled committee-level discussion ahead of the next reading.
Why it matters: The sale and redevelopment of the Lombard parcel could shape housing supply and tax and utility revenue for the city. Council members expressed competing priorities: maximizing return and attracting development while ensuring a minimum level of new housing construction and job creation.
What comes next: The council asked staff and the solicitor to refine the ordinance language, and scheduled strategic discussion prior to the next regular meeting; the item will return for a formal second reading once amended.
