Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Fishbeck Property in Superior Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $275,542?.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves the purchase of a conservation easement on the Fishbeck Property in Superior Township. The resolution also approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and appropriates up to $295,542.00 for the purchase from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund.
Fishbeck Property, Superior Township
The farm is approximately 63.3 acres and is located along Joy Road in Superior Township. The property is adjacent to a Greenbelt conservation easement and is 0.45 miles from a second Greenbelt conservation easement. The property scored in the top 7% of all Greenbelt applications in the scoring system developed and approved by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission. The protection of this property is a priority for the Greenbelt Program due to the size and quality of the farmland, proximity to other protected properties, and possibility to leverage funds from local partners. The property also meets the priorities for the Greenbelt, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, and Superior Township. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended to move forward with the Purchase and the Agreement due to the quality of agricultural areas on the property, the property's proximity to other protected land protected through the Greenbelt Program, and the opportunity to leverage the City's funds through partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and Superior Township.
An appraisal for a conservation easement on the property was completed in August 2020, which determined the fair market value to be $480,000.00.
Proposed Project Budget
Purchase Price: $480,000.00
Washtenaw County $240,000.00 50%
Superior Township Amount: $ 15,825.00 3.3%
City of Ann Ar...
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