Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Development Rights on the Donald
Drake Farm in Lodi Township; Appropriate funds, Not to exceed $483,450.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds and Approve Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the purchase of development rights on the farm owned by Donald
Drake in Lodi Township. The total city contribution will not exceed $483,450 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
The Resolution also approves a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, contributing $109,895.00 toward purchase. Lodi Township is also contributing $1,000.00 toward the purchase.
Drake Farm, Lodi Township
The farm is approximately 124 acres and is located along Waters Road in the northwestern portion of Lodi Township. A portion of the property is currently in agricultural production. A large portion of the property contains a high quality woodlot with a diversity of trees. The property also contains a button bush swamp and other wetland areas. The deed to the property is held by Donald
Drake. An application to participate in the Program was received from the deed holder in 2011. The property is in close proximity to other properties already protected by the
Greenbelt and other applications received by the
Greenbelt Program and other local land preservation programs.
The City of Ann Arbor applied for USDA Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) grant funds in March 2012, but did not receive funds for the
Drake farm. The
Greenbelt Advisory Commission is recommending to complete the purchase of development rights on the southern portion of the farm in 2012 and re-apply for FRPP funds in 2013 for the northern portion of the farm.
Purchase Agreement:
An appraisal was completed for the development rights on the property in February 2012, and the ...
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