KCDC agrees to sell land for housing
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore Community Development Corporation has agreed to sell its 29.79-acre tract of land adjacent to Remington Estates.

The property is behind Chandler Elementary School, behind Maude Laird Middle School.

While the corporation has not announced its price, B.J. Owen, city director of special services and CDC liaison, said he feels like the tentative price is fair.

According to Chris Dunsworth, president of C&J Real Estate Management LLC, doing business as Platinum Homes of East Texas, the CDC property could yield 79 lots for development of homes in the $120,000 to $160,000 price range.

Dunsworth is on the agenda to ask city council for development incentives, present site plans and disclose cost estimates. If council approves and reaches an agreement with the prospective developer, the CDC will name their price.

Jeff Howell, city manager, said most cities do not participate in partnerships or offer incentives to developers but that Kilgore needs more housing.

"The city really wants to see development in Kilgore," Howell said. "Council may be willing to help the developer with some up-front costs."

Gary Boyd, CDC board member, said others have approached the CDC about development at Remington Estates, but none have ever carried through with plans.

According to Boyd the board has been cautious not to discourage builders and remains hopeful the city council will give the prospect careful consideration.

"We have hope that somebody would come along and finally build some homes there," Boyd said. "That is what Kilgore needs."

Dunsworth, a builder by trade, has developed an 18- home community in Lakeport. His plans for Remington Estates Phase III include a quarter mile walking trail, park area, creek bed improvements, large lots and quality homes offered in eight styles with 24 different façade possibilities.

"Significant hurdles need to be crossed in development of that property," Dunsworth said. "Quite a bit of the property is not developable because of the creek area... that is why I have included the green space in my plans."

Kilgore City Council Meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.