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Developer searches for builders


The much anticipated 600-home Springhill South development in Boyd appears to have hit a few speed bumps securing a builder.

The developer, Bob Shelton, recently submitted an amended concept plan and development agreement “in an effort to adjust the phasing of the project to better suit a potential builder for the project,” Boyd City Administrator Greg Arrington said in a Nov. 7 email.

Arrington anticipates the concept plan and development agreement will be evaluated by staff over the next four to six weeks. City council will consider the amended versions at a meeting in January.

Shelton couldn’t be reached for comment.

The large development has been on the radar of Boyd City Council since the spring of 2018. City leaders hoped it would help supplement the increase water cost from Walnut Creek Special Utility District, as well as help cover a portion of the $5.8 million loan repayment for water improvements to the Texas Water Development Board, according to an April 14, 2018, Messenger story.

According to a 2018 engingeering report, the development was forecast to add a property tax surplus of $178,506 in 2020-21 and up to $516,377 in 2022-23.

The city and the developer also deeded a water pump station site to help with a portion of the off-site water system infrastructure improvements, which Arrington said is required to support the project.

Arrington said when they were first approached by Shelton, the proposed development was outside city limits.

“In dealing with the developer, we knew that it would be more beneficial for that tract of land to come into the city limits via voluntary annexation,” he said. “That way the developer could move forward a bit sooner and the city could be proactive and shape that growth, rather than cross our arms and let it happen around us ‘because that’s how you lose the shape of your community.'”

Mayor Rodney Holmes and council members directed staff to negotiate with Shelton on shaping the project, Arrington said.

Some of the things they were considering included park lands, greenspace, walking trails and road dimensions.

They negotiated land dedication for water system infrastructure, traffic impact fees to widen and rework major intersections.

“If the City had basically ‘closed the door’ on this project and not had any dealings with the developer, it was going to happen anyway,” Arrington said. “By negotiating and working with the developer, we had a major say in shaping our community for the future.”

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