The City of Fayette is considering the annexation of a tract of land along County Road 401 south of town. The property owners wish to develop the land, potentially adding between 12 and 20 single-residential homes and want city electric, water, and sewer service.

The area in question sits at the north end of the road, commonly called the Fair Grounds Road, where it intersects with Highway 240 at the south entrance to town.

John Huss, with OWN, Inc., an engineering firm that specializes in private development and public infrastructure, briefly discussed the proposal with the Fayette Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, October 10. He also addressed a parking and traffic study for downtown (see restated story this page). 

The city could simply enter into an extraterritorial agreement with the developers to allow for such infrastructure services there, similar to what is in place for a neighborhood at Davis Lake. However, it would likely be in the city’s best financial interest to annex the 160-acre tract. Much of that land is in a 100-year floodplain. But 10 acres is not, and that is where the new homes will be built.

“The only way we’re going to increase our property tax income is by annexation,” said Southwest Ward Alderwoman Bekki Galloway.

Fayette’s public works director, Danny Dougherty, said the city’s grid can handle the extra load.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Committee will address the matter before the council makes a decision. 

The city council meets regularly at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month in City Hall. Meetings are open, agendas are published in advance, and the public is invited.