(Granbury, Tx) – The city of Granbury is preparing to involuntarily annex five sections of land that encompass about 2,470 acres and 29 homes.

According to the Hood County News, notifications were to be sent out last week to affected property owners after the City Council unanimously approved a resolution to begin the proceedings.  City Manager Chris Coffman says these takeovers are a way for the city to control development and transportation corridors, preventing “urban sprawl.”

The council has scheduled two public hearings on the annexations. Both will be held on Tuesday, May 7th.