The property in front of City Hall has been the scene of city celebrations, races and library events for several years, but those days may be ending with approval of plans for single family residences on the land.

To keep up the tradition, the city staff at a July 2 pre-City Council meeting recommended looking into buying all

11 parcels of the property, which extends east to Village Lane, for use as a town green or public plaza.

"The development is coming," Marty Wieder, Colleyville economic development director, told the council. "The window of opportunity is closing."

The City Council asked the staff to look at buying only four to six pieces directly in front of City Hall.

All the property is owned by Village Management/Village Joint Venture.

During the same discussion, the council also asked to see master planning ideas for improving the larger outdoor space around Colleyville Center at 5301 Riverwalk Drive so it could be used for more big events.

"We did some investment inside Colleyville Center a couple years back," said Mayor David Kelly. "Now we have the opportunity to do something with the outside of Colleyville Center—make the investment on top of the property we already own."