Foster Creek Preserve has asked the Town of Columbus to annex 2.66 of newly acquired property into town limits.

Columbus Town Council met Jan. 17 and directed staff to investigate the sufficiency of the petition, which is required prior to moving forward with a public hearing.

Columbus Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe said staff will investigate the sufficiency of the petition and gather more information during the succeeding months. Kanipe said staff did confirm that the request is for the former Stagg property, which Forest City Land Group has had an option for some time. Kanipe also said staff is currently investigating how the proposed annexation would be reflected in the adopted master plan and development agreement for the property, as well as its impact on the approved special use permit for the property.

The proposed annexation is the first matter of business to come before the town concerning Foster Creek since 2011 when the town approved a development agreement with developers. The development agreement was approved in September 2011 by a split vote of council.

The development currently includes 1,065 acres off Houston Road and Hwy. 108.

Columbus approved the master plan in 2009 and a special use permit in 2010.

The development agreement includes the town owning the water line and a water storage tank the development plans to build. Foster Creek also plans to construct an emergency operations center on site with a generator as well as pay for a police officer for two years and a new police vehicle for the town.

The development agreement included that the first 100 lots would be developed between the 2012 and 2014 timeframe.

Lot development is expected to continue until 2030.