Missouri City City Council approved Tuesday the first reading of an ordinance to allow for the development of a multifamily residential community for active and independent seniors aged 55 and up. The community, Vrindavan Resorts, would sit on 13.6 acres of land on Staffordshire Road, north of Knanaya Homes subdivision and west of Quail Green West and Hunters Green subdivisions, according to city council meeting documents. Design plans propose approximately 20 buildings, providing 160-164 units and amenities such as a resident clubhouse, pond, television lounges, and green space for outdoor activities. The buildings range from one to three-story frames with attached garages, and wrought iron and masonry fencing would encircle the gated community. The project will be developed by Missouri City resident Joseph Manakalathil and four other partners who are privately funding its development. The group is working with professional firm Trimcos on the design and engineering phase. “We want to help ourselves and also our friends and [others] who are in need of it to find homes at an affordable price,” Manakalathil said. “That is the objective of the project, itself.” Manakalathil said he and his associates plan to move into the community themselves once it is developed. “We are planning a decent life [after] career of maybe 30 or 40 years,” he said. “People are working very hard, and now it is time to have a decent living.” Mayor Allen Owen said many seniors already live around the proposed site to be near their children, and this development would tie the community together. The second reading of this ordinance will take place at a later City Council meeting.