100-unit townhome project eyed for Dickinson

DICKINSON — A Kentucky-based developer plans to build a $17.5 million townhome complex near the site of the city’s old golf course. The 100-unit development would cater to low- to moderate-income tenants and would be partially financed through a federal tax credit program managed by the state.

Officials with Eagles Landing LP made the pitch for the development Tuesday to the Dickinson City Council.

The townhome development designed by MBL Derbycity Development would be on 15.4 acres on the west side of Golf Drive at FM 517 and would include one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses with garages.

The townhomes would be set back from FM 517 with the frontage along that road set aside for commercial development. The project would stretch back to Dickinson Bayou.

The one-bedroom units would be about 1,300 square feet, while the other units would be about 1,450 square feet, according to the proposal presented to the council.

“The unique new urbanism design will incorporate European green space front yards with a pedestrian-friendly walkable community to the surrounding retail centers and new local park area by the bayou,” Eagles Landing officials said in their presentation.

City Administrator Julie Johnston said 10 of the units would be leased at market rates, while the rest would be leased based on the residents’ income. Under the tax credit program rules, the development is to cater to low- and moderate-income families.

Officials with Eagles Landing estimated the project would generate 102 construction jobs and, once operational, about nine full-time jobs, Johnston said.

Despite some concerns about maintenance of the development, the city council gave tentative approval to the project, which allows Eagles Landing to go to the state to seek the funding.

Before the project can move ahead, developers will have to conduct a public hearing in Dickinson. Johnston said the city would have to approve the development’s design and zoning requests.