Farmington city council members on Monday authorized city staff to negotiate with Farmington Hills-based Boji Development over a $250,000 offer to purchase and develop the former 47th District Court property.
Part of the Boji Development proposal included this look at the 14-unit courthouse property (bottom left) and the Farmington Public Schools property not yet on the market.
Three developers who presented proposals on Sept. 19 for the 3.8-acre property on 10 Mile Road were invited back to fine tune their offers. DS Homes planned 13 homes and upped its offer to $275,000. Mike Fellows of DA Homes did not attend Monday’s meeting, but submitted a revised proposal with 11 buildings and 22 units, slightly lower in density than the previous plan.
Even though Boji’s purchase price came in $25,000 under that offered by the other two, council members said they had more confidence in the organization.
“This is a single family development in the true sense of the word,” Sarafa said.
Finances played heavily into the selection discussion. Because previous proposals have fallen through, council member Jeff Scott suggested requiring a nonrefundable deposit. Developers said they were willing, but questioned circumstances and timing.
Serafa pointed out that the city can impose requirements as part of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.
City Attorney Thomas Schultz said an earnest money deposit would be part of the purchase agreement.
Schultz said that information could be presented when administration comes forward with a purchase agreement.