Oct. 6--DIXON -- The City Council approved a few requests from developers of the long-awaited Townhomes of Rivershore, and added a few stipulations of its own.

Midwest Community Bank took over the property, along River Street between Lincoln and Sherman avenues, in May. Originally, 48 units were scheduled for completion in 2010.

Bank partner Mark Wright asked the city for permission to combine a couple of the two-story units into larger, double units. He also asked for a 10-year extension; the council approved both requests at its meeting Monday night.

To attract a qualified developer to the project, Wright also asked the city for half the property tax money generated by the riverfront tax increment financing district, in which the property sits.

Commissioners Roy Bridgeman, Dave Blackburn and Ira "Clark" Kelly balked at that part of the bank's request.

The agreement with the original developer required at least two of 12 buildings to be complete, and for certificates confirming that at least eight townhomes were ready for occupancy to be issued, before the developer would get a share of that TIF money.

So far, one certificate of occupancy has been issued, one building is complete, and two others are substantially complete.

Bridgeman said he would not vote to approve the agreement unless some changes were made.

So, the city made those changes.

Midwest Community Bank won't receive half the TIF increment money until the bank has named a developer, or until the bank itself has begun to develop the property.

The amended agreement also requires the bank to "use its best efforts to demonstrate reasonable progress" in development, which has been at a standstill for nearly 3 years.

The developer will be required to provide the city with an annual update detailing its efforts, according to the agreement.

The property now is scheduled for completion in 2020.

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