By a count of 53% in favor to 47% opposed, Riverside voters on Tuesday approved an involuntary annexation that will expand the city limits by roughly 133 acres.
The land being annexed is undeveloped property bordered by Hwy. 9 on the south and Northwood Road on the east. A proposed housing development known as the Montebella Project, played a direct role in the city’s desire to annex the area. The developer, North River Holdings LLC, plans to build homes on Northwood Road. The east side is already within the city limits. The west side is not and is the area of annexation.
It is anticipated 289 single family homes will be built by the time the project is completed.
Around 23% of Riverside’s registered voters turned out for Tuesday’s election. There were 201 votes in favor and 175 against. The proposal required only a simple majority from voters within the city for passage.
Aldermen and city staff received the good news about halfway through Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled aldermen meeting.