Staff and public debate terms of land-development agreement with Horton; commissioners approve LDA

Jeff Barclay, the county's director of economic and community development, presented the land-development agreement that governs D.R. Horton's planned development at the former Allegheny High School site.

Barclay said the LDA outlines takedowns and the county has already completed infrastructure work; he described the first two takedowns as 11 homes each (22 homes total) and told commissioners the county had been working on the project for three years. Multiple public commenters, including Gary Werkheiser and Kit Pepper Lascollet, urged the board to either reissue an RFP or require Horton to appear in public to explain timing, home types and affordability. Kit Pepper argued the contract left the county with most financial risk and said corporate ratification by Horton was not yet completed. Barclay said Horton intends to use local subcontractors where possible and staff had communicated with Horton’s local representatives.

After discussion, commissioners approved the LDA by voice vote and the related authorization (Resolution 26-18) that conditions the transfer on corporate ratification within 30 days. Public commenters requested clearer timelines and binding affordability commitments, items not specified in the agreement presented.