Council considers area plan for southwest quadrant after home‑builder interest

Planning staff told the council a home builder has expressed interest in developing part of the town's southwest quadrant, an area the comprehensive plan identified as the Greenway District South. Paul Amby said the town would issue a request for proposals to hire a consultant to develop an area plan so future rezoning and infrastructure decisions align with the town's vision rather than proceeding piecemeal.

"Our idea would be to consider, if the council agrees to do a request for proposals to have a consultant help us develop an area plan so that we can look at this area more comprehensively," Amby said. He emphasized the plan would address connectivity and potential relocation of Estill Road, coordinate road networks if multiple developers are involved, and set expectations for density and infrastructure. Council members asked staff to protect prior promises about avoiding high‑density housing near Gibbs Park and to ensure any plan does not inadvertently encourage sprawl northward into promised areas.

Staff said funds for long‑range planning exist in the current and next year's budgets and estimated an area‑plan process would take about 6–12 months. Several council members supported early engagement to shape road access and preserve park adjacency.