Council approves sale of two city lots to developer for single‑family homes, $4,500 per lot

City staff presented a development agreement proposal for two city-owned lots — 11001 Harvest Road and 1804 Peachtree Road — that were acquired through tax foreclosure. The proposal calls for the developer to purchase each lot for $4,500, construct two single-family homes of roughly 1,500 square feet with a minimum market value benchmark of $350,000 per home, contribute $15,000 toward roadway infrastructure at closing, and install at least 200 feet of sidewalks adjacent to the properties.

Staff described the exchange as a strategy to return vacant, tax-foreclosed lots to productive use and to bring infrastructure improvements and tax value back into the community. The staff presenter said the developer is locally based in the Dallas area and the proposed building materials include masonry and stone accents consistent with city design guidance.

Council discussion focused on drainage and flood elevation concerns. A councilmember asked for a clear drainage plan because some existing houses in the area are built below street grade; staff replied the project will be built consistent with required base flood elevations and subdivision standards. The city manager and planning staff stressed that the development would still need to complete zoning, platting and building-permit processes after the council-authorized agreement stage.

A motion to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute the development agreement passed. Staff said the next steps are zoning and planning review before building permits would be issued.