More multi-family housing could be on the horizon for Airport Way south of the future extension of Center Street.

The Manteca City Council last week approved the sale of 3.7 acres  for $550,000 the city bought almost two decades ago with redevelopment agency funds.

Once the land on the east side of North Airport Way closes escrow, it will leave only one surplus RDA parcel to dispose of — 555 Industrial Park Drive.

And there has been a buyer waiting to make a deal for that site for more than four years.

That buyer is the Manteca Unified School District.

The state — when they dissolved redevelopment agencies statewide in 2010 — ordered properties that weren’t tied to viable projects that were moving toward development to be sold and proceeds distributed on a prorated basis to local taxing agencies.

The one caveat was that any government agency that wanted to acquire the properties in question could do so before it was made available to the private sector. The only proviso was the requirement they paid the appraised market value.

 The long and somewhat narrow parcel at 282 North Airport Way the council sold is just south of where 128 duplex units have been approved as well as a 24-unit apartment complex.

It was originally bought with the intent of creating a quasi-independent living affordable residential complex for adults with special needs.

The property was under contract with Satellite Housing in 2006 to build 25 housing units but the deal fell through.

The new developer, under terms of the sales agreement, must restrict at least 25% of the units for low-income households.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com