Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Appropriate $166,500.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the Landau Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for the purchase of fee title to approximately 9.5 acres of land owned by Richard Landau, located in Ann Arbor Township. The resolution also appropriates $166,500.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
Washtenaw County will become the fee title holder of the property and pay for the establishment of a publicly accessible nature preserve with a parking lot, trails, and signage.
Landau Property, Ann Arbor Township
The property is approximately 9.5 acres with access from Ford Road. This acquisition, along with the adjoining University of Michigan's Horner-McLaughlin Woods and Washtenaw County's Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve, would create an uninterrupted 297 acres of protected land in the area.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed June 29, 2018. The fair market value was determined to be $333,000.00 for the fee title to the property. The tables below detail the financial contributions from partners. The resolution approves an appropriation of funds for 50% of the total purchase price, not to exceed $166,500.00, from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds. Washtenaw County will own the property and cover all due diligence and closing costs.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of fee title to and establishment of a conservation easement on the property was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their October 4, 2018 meeting. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended the purchase due to the quality of natural areas on the property, the property's proximity and connect...
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