The Knoxville City Council took the first steps in looking to acquire land in the southwestern part of the city that would be developed into residential and commercial properties.

Interim City Manager Aaron Adams says the approximately 45 acres on the south end of Park Lane all the way to Bell Avenue is the city’s latest effort to spur housing and economic development. He says the northern portion of the acreage would be deemed residential for 65 buildable lots, while the southern portion would be available for strip malls, restaurants, and other commercial development.

Staff was instructed by the city council to make an offer to the owners of the acreage, Home Town Developers, at a cost of $41,000 an acre.