Newberry Buys Stormwater Basin Land for Roadways

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission on Aug. 11, 2025, approved the purchase of about 1.34 acres in southwestern Newberry for $160,000 to build a stormwater basin needed for upcoming roadway improvements.

Assistant City Manager/Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones asked the Commission to authorize the City Manager to execute a Vacant Land Contract to acquire the property. The parcel, identified as part of Tax Parcel No. 02022-000-000 — commonly referred to as the Hooie Property — was determined to be the most suitable site under the city’s Stormwater Facility Plan. The basin will support the planned resurfacing of Northwest 266^th Street and paving of portions of Northwest 265^th Street and Northwest 1^st Avenue, identified in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan as critical projects for 2024.

When engineers began design work for the road projects, they determined that stormwater capacity was necessary before construction could move forward. Without the basin, the roadway projects could not proceed.

City staff contacted the property owners, who expressed interest in selling a portion of the land. Independent appraisals valued the property at $160,000 and $180,000. After negotiations, both sides agreed to the $160,000 price, and a vacant land contract was prepared.

The commission authorized the city manager Jordan Marlowe to execute the contract, complete the real estate closing, and carry out all related documents. The vote was unanimous.

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