Council introduces Holton Farm redevelopment plan to enable Habitat houses and Fisherman's Mark sale

The City Council introduced Ordinance 16-2025 to adopt a redevelopment plan for Holton Farm, clearing procedural steps the mayor said are needed to dedicate land for Habitat for Humanity homes and to permit the sale and site planning work required for a Fisherman's Mark project.

Officials said the plan will go to the planning board for a public hearing on July 2 and return to the governing body for a second-reading public hearing on July 17. The redevelopment designation, the mayor told the council, allows the city to dedicate the property for the Habitat project and to proceed with negotiating a purchase and sale agreement with Fisherman's Mark pending planning-board approvals.

Council members discussed remaining issues that must be resolved before closing, including a formal roadway dedication required by Green Acres for full reimbursement, DOT approvals for a major access application and pedestrian-access improvements along the adjacent state highway. Officials said engineers and architects will prepare preliminary and final site plans after the council adopts the redevelopment plan and that close coordination with the planning board and Department of Transportation will be necessary to finish the project over the coming months.

Council members praised the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and noted that the plan advances affordable-home construction on city‑owned land while balancing park and access requirements. The mayor said staff hope to complete outstanding Green Acres paperwork and the DOT access application later this year so that dedication and closing can proceed.