Major residential project underway in Albany
A major new housing development in Albany is beginning to take shape, though progress has slowed due to state permitting delays and water runoff concerns. Once completed, the project will feature 53 residential lots, multiple commercial tracts, and full access to city water and sewer services. The development is located just inside the city limits along Highway 6 and is owned by the Albany Economic Development Corporation.
The project includes two new roads and will provide all lots with city utility access through a planned connection that crosses Highway 6 behind the nearby apartment complex. City Manager Billy Holson said this new connection will complete a vital loop in Albany’s water system.
“This will help close the loop in our water system,” Holson said. “Once that line is in place, the water network on that side of town will be connected from multiple directions, which improves flow and reliability.”
Initial groundwork has already begun, including the recent plugging of an old oil well on the property. However, further progress has been delayed by water drainage issues. The property naturally slopes southwest, and engineers discovered that runoff from the surrounding area could not be directed into the Highway 6 bar ditches. The Texas Department of Transportation will not allow additional stormwater runoff into the state-maintained drainage system.
To address this, engineers are designing two retention ponds that will manage water flow on-site. The ponds will be located in the northeast and southwest portions of the development and are not expected to reduce the number of available lots.
Holson noted that construction costs may increase significantly due to the drainage improvements. He estimated that moving the necessary materials could cost around $200,000.
The development was originally expected to be surveyed by July, but that timeline has been pushed back due to delays in obtaining state permits. “It takes forever with the state,” Holson said. “The state engineers have to review everything, and while I understand their reasons, it definitely slows things down.”
Despite the holdups, Holson said the project has already generated strong interest. The Albany Economic Development Corporation has not yet finalized pricing for the lots, but once determined, prices will go to the City Council for approval.
In addition to the residential lots, the front portion of the development facing Highway 6 will be designated for commercial use. Holson said some companies have expressed interest in building on the property.
No official name has been selected for the development, and street names have not yet been decided. Holson said he would leave those decisions to the City Council or the Economic Development Corporation.
