Title
Resolution to Accept the Donation of Braun Nature Area from Ann Arbor Township (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to accept the donation of the property identified as Braun Park of Washtenaw Hills Estates Number One as recorded in Liber 8 of Plats, Page 32, Washtenaw County records, from Ann Arbor Township. The property is located in a portion of Ann Arbor Township that will eventually be annexed to the City pursuant to the City-Township Boundary Policy Statement.
The property is adjacent to Huron Parkway Nature Area, which is already owned by the City of Ann Arbor. A map of the location is attached. Huron Parkway Nature Area is a 19-acre nature area located east of Huron Parkway south of Huron River Drive and north of Washtenaw Ave. The area is an oak-hickory woodland with an open understory. A pond and wetland on the western side of the park provide a variety of plants and animals found in the nature area. Malletts Creek flows along the eastern border. This high quality area is undergoing restoration efforts by the staff and volunteers of Natural Area Preservation, including prescribed ecological burns and removal of non-native invasive plants.
Braun Park is currently owned by Ann Arbor Township and is approximately 10.5 acres in size. The Ann Arbor Township Board of Trustees approved the donation of the property to the City of Ann Arbor at its April 16, 2012 Board meeting. Braun Park was dedicated "to the use of the "Public" on March 6, 1929, pursuant to the Plat of Washtenaw Hills Estates, Number One as recorded. The property is planned to remain a natural area and will be maintained in conjunction with the Huron Parkway Nature Area. A portion of Malletts Creek also flows through this site.
The Land Acquisition Committee of the PAC recommended accepting the donation of the Braun Park at its November 1, 2011 meeting.
The City of Ann Arbor has completed due diligence review, including a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, which did not identify any Recognized Environmental Conditions on the property.
Staff
Prepared By: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Open Space and Park Land Preservation Ordinance allows the City of Ann Arbor to accept donations of real property;
Whereas, Ann Arbor Township Board of Trustees, has approved the donation of Braun Park to the City of Ann Arbor at its April 16, 2012 Board meeting;
Whereas, The property is adjacent to Huron Parkway Nature Area, currently owned and maintained by the City of Ann Arbor;
Whereas, The property was dedicated "to the use of the Public" on March 6, 1929, pursuant to the plat of Washtenaw Hills Estates Number One as recorded in Liber 8 of Plats, Page 32, Washtenaw County Records; and
Whereas, The property contains high quality natural features consistent with the adjacent Huron Parkway Nature Area and is suitable for use as city parkland;
RESOLVED, That City Council accept the donation of the property and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the required documents to complete the donation, after approval as to form by the City Attorney.