Council Vice-Chair Richie Floyd said he would prefer the city retain ownership and control of the land.
“I don’t see why we can’t develop the property and we control it and have all sorts of ways to finance it,” Floyd said. “I can’t motivate people to take city land and put it into private hands.”
City staff noted that the ballot language is intentionally broad, allowing flexibility for the city to sell the land, partner with a developer, or retain ownership while overseeing development.
Council Member Gina Driscoll also emphasized the importance of clearly communicating to voters that the parcels are not traditional park space and do not offer amenities typically associated with public parks.
If approved, the effort would represent a relatively quick path to adding new affordable and workforce housing units to the market.