(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday night heard an update on a proposed housing development project.

The commission voted September 14th to move the proposed duplex development to existing vacant lots within the city, after opposition to the original site west of Bruning Park.

City Administrator Brad Scott said there are a lot of moving parts, and he has been in discussions with the developer and the state.

Scott said the developer plans to submit a new development agreement to the city before the commission's first meeting in October.

Three sites are being considered for the duplex units---two lots on Aztec Street owned by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, and another on South Third Street.

Scott said the developer wants to negotiate the purchase of property.

He said zoning would need to be changed on only one of the sites, and the city also needs to review setback requirements.

Scott said the South Third Street site would require some utility extensions, but a sewer lift station will not be required, which will save money.

He said the state has indicated the Moderate Income Housing grant awarded for the project should remain available as long as the same number of duplex units are built.

The city will submit a letter to the state outlining the new development plan