Council approves transfer of two city parcels to EDA for redevelopment, citing workforce housing potential

The Winchester City Council approved Resolution R2026-11 to transfer two city-owned parcels to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) for disposition, marketing and potential redevelopment, including workforce housing.

City staff and the city attorney described the transfer as a step to put underused property back into productive use. The two parcels discussed included the former Timbrook House site at 305 E. Piccadilly St. (now demolished) and the YDC property. Staff said the EDA would market the properties and that a draft performance and cooperative agreement is attached to the resolution. "Perhaps the EDA could move forward with some workforce housing," the city attorney said when explaining the intended use of the Piccadilly site.

Staff also noted one of the parcels may require a minor amendment to the jurisdiction's HUD annual action plan; staff said that could be handled administratively and would not change eligible activities. Councilor Bell moved to approve the resolution, a second was recorded, and the motion passed by roll call. The transcript records council votes by roll call but does not provide a clear, complete vote tally in readable form; the resolution was adopted.

The action transfers ownership to the EDA; staff said the EDA will pursue disposition options that may include workforce housing or economic revitalization of the YDC site. Council did not specify a firm redevelopment plan; the EDA will lead marketing and negotiation with prospective buyers or developers under the terms of the cooperative agreement.