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Council gives direction to continue redevelopment talks for Diecast site after Murphy Group concept
Summary
Murphy Development Group presented a conceptual plan for the Diecast site proposing about 156 residential units in a mix of two- and three‑story buildings; council gave staff direction to continue to a redevelopment agreement while engineers continue to evaluate stormwater and parking constraints.
The Woodstock City Council heard a conceptual presentation from Murphy Development Group on a long-discussed redevelopment of the Diecast site and gave staff consensus to continue negotiating a redevelopment agreement.
Dave Areola, Murphy Development Group’s point person for the project, described a concept plan driven by on-site parking needs and site constraints. The current concept shows roughly 156 units across 18 buildings with a mix of two- and three‑story residential buildings, an on-site amenity building and largely concealed parking. Areola and the team said removing an on-site detention requirement could add units, but that would depend on engineering review.
John Murphy, chairman of Murphy Development Group, said the feasibility study validated the team’s assumptions and supported the proposed density and phasing. “If the deal is financially feasible, we can do it,” Murphy told the council, adding the team plans phased construction and routine delivery of buildings to maintain momentum.
Council members and staff focused questions on stormwater and parking. City staff noted the site’s prior industrial imperviousness and a north detention basin could affect detention requirements, but said final determinations require detailed engineering. The developer said it is designing for about 1.5 parking spaces per unit (market-driven) while council reminded that the city’s current multifamily baseline is lower (about 1.1 spaces per unit) and that a PUD can vary standards.
Nearby residents and business owners raised concerns during public comment about weekend parking pressure on 1st Street, potential flooding and the need for high-quality materials consistent with the historic district. Alan Stebbins urged attention to environmental cleanup history and that incentives be tied to quality materials so new infill “ages gracefully” with downtown.
The council’s procedural outcome: members signaled support to continue negotiations and to pursue a redevelopment agreement; engineering reviews on detention, parking and circulation will continue as part of the next steps before any final approvals.
Next step: staff will continue negotiations toward a redevelopment agreement and will coordinate engineering review, materials and phasing details with the developer.
