Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Webster Township for the Purchase of Development Rights on the Marjorie
Smyth Farm and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed the Amount of $202,500.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Bond Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a Participation Agreement with Webster Township for the purchase of development rights on the Marjorie
Smyth Farm, tax parcel ID number C-03-28-400-001, in Webster Township and to appropriate funds, not to exceed $202,500 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Bond Proceeds.
Marjorie
Smyth applied to the Webster Township Land Preservation program in 2006. Webster Township applied for Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) grant funds in 2007, and the Township was subsequently awarded an FRPP grant in the amount of $305,000. Webster Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. As with any land acquisition deal in which the City is involved, a donation was requested from the landowner, however, no donation was received.
Webster Township is seeking the support from the City of Ann Arbor for funds up to $202,500. The appraised value of the development rights on the property is $710,000. Webster Township has received a grant from FRPP in the amount of $305,000. The remaining purchase price is $405,000 and the remaining purchase price would be split equally between the City and Webster Township. Thus, City’s contribution would not exceed $202,500.
The parent parcel is approximately 110 acres and is currently in agricultural production. The landowner is excluding approximately 10 acres from the easement, which include the house and farm buildings. The property is considered large enough to sustain agricultural production and is in a location that will encourage additional farmland preservation and agricultural preservation activities. The property is in clo...
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