STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Economic and Neighborhood Vitality
AGENDA DATE: February 24, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Department of Sustainable Development and Construction
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Eric A. Johnson
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SUBJECT
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Authorize (1) an increase in appropriations in an amount not to exceed $2,506,000.00 in the Reforestation Fund; and (2) an acquisition from the Trust for Public Land for the Five Mile Creek Master Plan (Woody Branch Park Land), of approximately 82 acres of land located near the intersection of Hammerking Road and South R.L. Thornton Freeway for the proposed Woody Branch Park Site Project - Not to exceed $2,506,000.00 ($2,490,000.00, plus closing costs and title expenses not to exceed $16,000.00) - Financing: Reforestation Fund
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BACKGROUND
This item authorizes the acquisition from Five Mile Creek Master Plan (Woody Branch Park Land), of approximately 82 acres of land located near the intersection of Hammerking Road and South R.L. Thornton Freeway for the proposed Woody Branch Park Site II Project. This property will be used for the future construction and use as a new park site.
This acquisition is a collaboration between the Sustainable Development and Construction Department, Park and Recreation and The Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL has the subject property under contract to purchase for its appraised value of $2,490,000.00 and is offering the land to the City for the appraised value. The City will be responsible for the title insurance and one-half of the closing costs upon acquisition from TPL. The consideration is based on independent appraisals. No relocation costs are associated.
The criteria for acquisition of forested land with Reforestation Funds includes: 1) Acquisition of land for and to benefit the public good; 2) Land acquired must be conserved and retained (Section 51A-10.102 and 51A-10.135) to support tree canopy coverage and the enhancement of wildlife habitat; 3) The prioritization of sites that are development-threatened habitat areas and provide interconnectedness with natural area corridors for retention of continuous tree canopy, including city parks and riparian zones; 4) Prioritizing sites identified for city-wide development regions to provide current and future residents the opportunity to have close contact with natural areas. The proposed acquisition meets these and other acquisition criteria of the Reforestation Fund as well as PKR’s mission to be “responsible stewards of the city’s parks, trails, and open spaces,” and PKR’s vision for the future of “a comprehensive system of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities that sustains, inspires, and invigorates.”
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 11, 2021, the Park and Recreation Board authorized an acquisition from the Trust for Public Land for the Five Mile Creek Master Plan (Woody Branch Park Land) for development of a future park.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
|
FY 2021 |
FY 2020 |
Future Years |
|
Reforestation Fund |
|
$2,506,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
OWNER
The Trust for Public Land
Peter Fodor, Legal Director
MAP
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