(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission is moving forward with plans for the Villas of Beautiful Maples duplex development.

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, commissioners unanimously voted to have a letter drafted asking the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development to donate four lots on Aztec Street for the project.

The letter will be presented to HFED when it meets Thursday.

City Administrator Brad Scott recommended requesting the lots at no cost, citing the financial risk involved in developing the property.

The city needs a total of eight lots for the project. Other properties being considered include 913 South Third Street and 310 Hiawatha Avenue.

Scott said the developer believes the South Third Street property could accommodate six units, but the city is not prepared to make an offer for that property.

The commission voted in September to move the duplex project to vacant lots in the city after opposition to the original proposed site west of Bruning Park.