SOUTH HEART -- If an out-of-state developer gets his way, South Heart will see an RV park, assisted living center, restaurant, convenience store and two hotels built within the next four years.
Tom Davidson, president of Centerra Development, based in Denver, stood up in City Hall during a council meeting Monday and told council members he wants to invest in their town.
"We want to work with the town, and we want to do a quality project here," Davidson said.
Davidson's proposal arrives a month after William Matson, a representative of Waterfront Homes LLC, proposed building 25 12-unit apartment complexes in South Heart.
The commissioners are interested in Davidson's plans, but raised concerns.
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"I'm going to tell you right now up front, we're going to have a problem with water," Mayor Floyd Hurt said.
Hurt added that he recently contacted Southwest Water Authority with growth projections for South Heart, and Davidson's plans were not included.
"This (project) might not go right away until we get approval for more water," Hurt said.
Davidson said he knows the town needs more water.
To support the amount of growth Davidson is suggesting, more lagoon space and an additional water tower are needed, Hurt said. He added that Davidson might be able to start working on part of his project before the town makes any major water changes.
"We have enough water to supply your motel," Hurt said.
In addition to building his first hotel, Davidson expressed interest in an RV park to house his workers. But he is having trouble getting full backing.
Hurt is concerned the park may be an eye sore.
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"First of all, we're trying to keep all of our trailers (in one area) because the trailer court usually ends up with a bunch of junk," he said. "We're trying to keep the town organized."
Councilman Jayme Lefor agrees.
"The RV, I'm not real crazy about that idea," Lefor said. "I guess I would rather see houses there."
Davidson is willing to play ball with commissioners.
"I'm open to that," he said.
Hurt understands Davidson needs a place for his workers, and is willing to help.
"It's no more than fair to let you (build RVs) for your workers because you got to have a place and there's no place to put them."
Upon closing on the proposed building area, southeast of the intersection of Old Highway 10 and 121 Ave. SW, Davidson wants to begin working toward the end of April.
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Commissioners said Davidson will have to draw up official zoning plans before he takes the next step.
