MONROE — Eager to spark new residential development in the Monroe area, city leaders have moved step closer to significant new development on the city’s northwest side, north of Walmart and Alice Place on County N.

The City of Monroe Common Council at its Dec. 18 meeting approved a developer’s agreement and a final plat for the Haven Hills Development LLC project part of a roughly 90-acre parcel on the northwest side near Walmart that the city is pitching for mixed-use, residential development.

Early in the development process, there were several interested developers already working on potential proposals, city officials said. The initial parcel, just over seven acres, will be used for much-needed four-plex residential units, said Mayor Donna Douglas.

The developers plan to develop the larger property in increments, which means they will come back to the council as they create development plans, she added.

“It’s a little different than what we’re used to in Monroe but I think they will be good to work with,” Douglas said.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Haven Hills is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 on the property off County N near the new Alice Place apartments. Those are some of the newest apartments in the city and were created for residents over 55 who meet certain income guidelines. 

More such development is the city’s goal with the rest of the property.

“The city’s intention is that the new development would complement neighboring areas. Maximize and diversify mixed use, office, and residential opportunities in the community,” officials said, in an early Request for Proposal. “Proposals could be for the entire site or individual parcels.”

Parks and retention ponds also are being considered, though details of the development are still being worked out.