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DeSoto council gives consensus to begin talks with ISD on land around ARC at MacOwen
Summary
City Manager Majid Al Godfrey asked council for permission to start discussions with DeSoto ISD about possible partnerships or sale of district-owned land around the ARC at MacOwen; council members voiced general support and asked that master planning and viability studies proceed in tandem.
City Manager Majid Al Godfrey asked the DeSoto City Council on Feb. 26 for a general consensus to begin discussions with DeSoto Independent School District about property surrounding the ARC at MacOwen. "One of the largest property owners around the ARC is the school district," Al Godfrey said, noting the district owns roughly "60 some acres" in the area and the ARC conveys about another 40 acres, creating a substantial redevelopment footprint.
Al Godfrey framed the ask as the city seeking permission to open entity-to-entity conversations — not to enter negotiations or make offers — so staff and the ISD can explore options including partnerships, leases or possible sale. He said that before any acquisition or formal deal would be contemplated, the city would complete due diligence, master-development planning and engage real estate and development experts.
Council member Andre Byrd Sr. asked whether discussing the property in open session would prematurely reveal the city’s interest; Al Godfrey and other staff replied that because this is an intergovernmental dialogue (city-to-ISD) and no negotiations or exclusive terms are yet on the table, executive session is not required at this stage. "That's correct, sir... this is purely to start the discussion from one political entity to another political entity," Al Godfrey said.
Members asked practical questions about the area and planning. Mayor Pro Tem Crystal Chisholm and Council member Perrette Parker asked about how the ARC strategic plan and the parks master plan relate to the parcels near Katherine Johnson Tech Magnet Academy (KJ). Al Godfrey said the master development plan and developer-led viability work would be part of the process if the ISD is open to discussions.
Several council members urged moving deliberately but quickly. Council member Ken Waters, whose district includes the ARC area, supported partnering with the ISD. Council member Leticia Hughes argued for securing control of the land now — even under contract — noting that purchasing land does not obligate immediate development.
City Manager Al Godfrey asked for a consensus to proceed. The mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Chisholm and council members Deborah North, Andre Byrd Sr., Ken Waters and Perrette Parker indicated agreement. Al Godfrey said staff would reach out to the ISD to determine the district’s interest and then return with additional options and required steps.
The council did not take a formal roll-call vote on the ISD item; members recorded a general consensus in favor of staff beginning conversations and conducting due diligence as appropriate.
