GROVES — Silence can be louder than words, especially when looking back at a recent Groves City Council meeting where a resolution for support of a senior housing development died for lack of a motion.

The stark quiet when Mayor Brad Bailey announced the agenda item — considered approval of a resolution of support for a senior housing development to be located off Twin City Highway — meant the issue was dead.

The issue was a proposal by John Guttman, development manager of JES Holdings LLC, which was proposing construction of Westfield Senior Village. Guttman had spoke with council members back in November regarding the mixed-income units for seniors 55 and older.

Strict guidelines and heavy competition were attached to the project, which came through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. A funding source came from housing tax credits and the deadline for Guttman to show support from Groves for the project is March 1.

“At this time we are trying to reach out to city council members and work through any issues they may have and come to common ground on the project so we can move forward with it,” Guttman said via phone, adding that until the project can be brought up for a vote, it is on pause. “I was to see if we can work it out with the city. We are optimistic the project will be acceptable for everybody.”

Obviously the project was not acceptable for all because the vote didn’t even make it to the table for discussion.

Bailey could not speak for all council members but said the project could be a good fit for the city and put money in the coffers but did not indicate he was 100 percent behind the project.

Council members have been skeptical for years of any proposed project that is income based or tied to tax housing credits.

Another issue for the city is drainage. Constructing a housing complex in the proposed area behind Encounter Church could possibly affect drainage for the newer homes in the Fadhli Addition nearby. The plot of land is currently zoned for a neighborhood so thoughts of green space and drainage are paramount.

Bailey did admit that JES has a great track record of maintenance to its properties and is not known to construct a complex, then sell it off later.