Council approves purchase of property near Honey Creek to improve stormwater management

Council voted to acquire parcel 620-9982-0000 (informally listed in the agenda as 4510 West Lewis Road) using stormwater utility funds to enable maintenance along Honey Creek and to address chronic drainage and flooding issues in adjacent neighborhoods. Staff said a Phase I environmental review identified asbestos and other conditions that will require remediation or demolition and that a demolition plan is in place.

Supporters told the council the parcel is a 'missing piece' that would allow the city to maintain the creek from Lumis toward Conco Park, improve a drainage ditch behind nearby subdivisions, and potentially reduce annual flooding on nearby streets. Alder person Acres moved the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The purchase was presented as a stormwater-utility-backed acquisition; staff noted there are sufficient fund balances for the transaction. The council did not vote on specific remediation contracts at the meeting but authorized steps necessary to close the transaction.