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An illustration from the proposal submitted by Tradition by Donnay Homes shows a two-story home on Flag Avenue in New Hope. It would cost at least $648,000 on the open market.<\/p>\n
(Submitted rendering)<\/p>\n
New Hope\u2019s city council members must wear both their public official and property investor hats as they consider proposals to build a brand new home on Flag Avenue through the Scattered Site program.<\/p>\n
The next project, replacing a demolished home at 4632 Flag Ave. N., is likely to bring a towering two-story home and three-car garage to a street with more modest homes after a 3-2 Economic Development Authority vote.<\/p>\n
Through Scattered Site, the EDA purchases dilapidated buildings, tears them down, and contracts a developer to build and sell a single-family home on the open market. Having a more expensive home helps raise property values around the new construction, and larger homes mean more tax revenue for the city and the EDA which is funded through tax dollars.<\/p>\n
When a request for proposal was sent out in May, seven developers sent in their blueprints and budgets including the $90,000 lot sale price. Dean Johnson Homes offered $100,000 to purchase the property, also providing plans for a split level home for the lowest price tag of $495,000.<\/p>\n
But city staff suggested the EDA, operated by city council members, approve a $648,900 home constructed by Traditions by Donnay Homes. It\u2019s a two story home with a three car garage, and will stand between two split-level homes. Proceeding with the Donnay proposal would cost the city $198,000 in tax dollars out of the EDA budget.<\/p>\n
The assessed value of the property in 2026 was $268,600, meaning its value would increase by nearly threefold with the Donnay proposal. Its estimated taxes payable to the city would increase by roughly $2,300 in 2029, adding to the tax base in the area.<\/p>\n
But neighbors have protested the mockups, saying the design resembles a mansion in a neighborhood of modest vintage homes. Neighbor Richard Terrill testified against the Donnay design, though his minutes at the public forum podium quickly became an elevated argument from the council.<\/p>\n