Henderson City Council approves private sale of city lots for affordable housing

The Henderson City Council on July 8 approved Resolution 24-37 authorizing the private sale of certain city-owned parcels to developers to support affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Council approved the measure unanimously; Councilmember Lamont Noel was absent.

City Manager Edward T. Blackmon told the council the plan would allow the city to negotiate terms with interested developers and include covenants in sale agreements to ensure the properties are used for low- and moderate-income housing. "This would not only support the development of more affordable housing, but also help revitalize blighted neighborhoods," Blackmon said.

Councilmember Garry D. Daeke questioned the valuation of one parcel (parcel 0104 06018), noting it appeared significantly higher in value than others on the list; Blackmon explained the lot is larger because it is a corner parcel. Councilmember Sara M. Coffey asked who would bear the cost of demolishing structures on lots that require demolition; Blackmon said demolition costs would be negotiated with the buyer as part of sale agreements.

Councilmember Sara M. Coffey moved approval of Resolution 24-37; Councilmember Michael Venable seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with the recorded absence of Councilmember Lamont Noel.

The resolution directs city staff to proceed with negotiated private sales under terms that include use covenants for low- and moderate-income housing; the minutes note that details such as exact parcel prices and demolition cost responsibilities will be set during negotiation with prospective buyers.

Next steps: the resolution was filed (see Resolution Book 7) and staff will begin negotiations with prospective developers under the parameters described by the City Manager.