Wylie council approves abandoning small right-of-way despite concern over $10,000 offer

The Wylie City Council voted April 14 to approve an ordinance abandoning a small parcel of city-owned right-of-way in the Mill Creek Estates addition, allowing the owner of 1201 East Stone Road to combine the strip with his property and eventually subdivide it into new residential lots.

Mr. Haskins, the city staff presenter, said the applicant provided an appraisal and offered $10,000 for the parcel and that engineering, fire, planning and utilities had signed off on the proposed abandonment. "The applicant is looking at that property there as almost 2 acres ... they're looking at 2 1 acre lots is what they ultimately want to accomplish," Mr. Haskins said.

Applicant Reed Compton told council the overall property is about 3 acres and his intent is to keep two acres with the existing home and subdivide about one acre for a second home; he added he planned only landscaping and fencing improvements to the small, triangular remnant.

Several council members raised concerns about the sale price. Mayor Pro Tem Gino Malice and others argued $10,000 is low relative to nearby per-acre values and noted the city currently maintains the property. "I do feel like the $10,000 is not enough," Mayor Pro Tem Malice said, noting local acre values and maintenance costs.

Mr. Haskins replied that as the parcel stands today it is an "unbuildable lot" and staff recommended acceptance. After discussion, Councilman Scribe moved to approve the abandonment and Councilman Hoover seconded; the council approved the ordinance by vote, motion carries 6-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Malice voting no.

The ordinance (read later in the meeting as Ordinance No. 2026-15) transfers the right-of-way to the applicant upon receipt of payment and satisfies staff reviews for utilities and engineering. Council directed staff and asked questions about potential future thoroughfare needs, whether the sale would create maintenance-cost savings for the city and whether a different valuation should be sought before similar future transfers.

Because the council's approval included a dissenting vote and substantive questions about valuation, staff may follow up on appraisal methodology and stewardship of city-owned remnant parcels in future agenda items.

Outcome: Ordinance adopted; vote 6-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Malice opposed).