The Warrenton Board of Aldermen agreed in December to annex 49 acres where a local developer has plans for a potential residential subdivision. The property is adjacent to 12 acres on Sunnyside Road that was the center of much controversy in September.

Aldermen voted 6-0 on Dec. 15 to annex the 49-acre the property, which includes a chunk of the Country Lake Golf Course and adjacent ground. It was the last piece of the golf course outside city limits, after Warrenton agreed to annex the rest of the golf course in 2018.

The annexation is likely a prelude to a zoning proposal that would grant permission for residential development. The same process was followed for the neighboring property, which nearby Sunnyside Road residents unsuccessfully attempted to block from development three months ago.

In early December, project engineer Bart Korman with Lewis and Bade said the developer, Keeven Family Partnership, is contemplating single-family homes or duplexes in the newly annexed 49-acres. The annexed area would also allow the Keeven Partnership to connect the access road for the golf course to the future neighborhood, allowing a different access point besides Sunnyside Road.

The annexed property is currently zoned for agricultural use. To build houses, the Keeven Partnership would have to petition the Warrenton city government for a rezoning, which would involve multiple public hearings where nearby property owners can voice their opinions or concerns.