 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Fort Smith looks to institute bidding process Herb Mathisen Northern News Services Published Monday, November 21, 2011
On Nov. 15, council recommended that the sale of all future subdivision lots be subject to a bidding process, effectively doing away with the straw draw method currently in use.
With the Westgrove Phase III subdivision lots going up for sale sometime in mid-December, senior administrative officer Brenda Black said the town wants to have a process in place to deal with the possibility of having multiple bidders on a lot.
"There are some lots that we know that several people are interested in and that's why we wanted to do it this way," said Black. "We recommended it because I think it is unreasonable to have a straw draw if 10 people want a lot."
As it now stands, anyone who meets the minimum bid on a lot would have their name entered into a random draw for the lot. Under the proposed plan, the lot would go to the highest bidder who met the minimum bid, said Black.
"Any money that goes over the minimum bid would go back into the development, so it's not like the town will make a profit or anything," said Black, who added the additional funds would offset infrastructure work such as construction of sewage lines.
Black said the changes to the policy would be in effect for all future subdivision lot sales.
Residents will get a chance to discuss the proposed changes at a public meeting on Nov. 22, before council gives the land administration bylaw amendment a first and second reading later in the evening.
"Unless there is a really big public outcry about it, it's not likely to change," said Black. "We will vote on it, so much as nothing critical happens."
The amendment is expected to receive final reading - and be passed - on Dec. 13.
Black also noted the town has booked a room in the library for the Nov. 22 meeting, as town hall is still undergoing renovations.
|
