Tract is given to Eurka homeowners group

The Eureka Board of Aldermen has approved giving a 1.7-acre tract to the Townes at Hilltop Subdivision Homeowners Association.The parcel at 1020 Hilltop Townes Drive was to be used to build two four-unit condominiums, but the developer later decided that the land was not buildable because it was too costly to remove the rock on the site, Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey said.

The city inherited the property for free when the developer, Ed Levinson, was sentenced to federal prison for more than four years for fraud in June. The city decided to give the property to the association because of financial considerations, Coffey said.

He added that the city would save on the cost of the maintenance. The association plans to develop the property as a park or make it green space, Coffey said.