Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Stone Property in Lodi Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $115,367.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves the purchase of a conservation easement on farmland owned by the Stone Family, located in Lodi Township. The resolution also approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and appropriates up to $115,367.00 for the purchase from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund.
Stone Family Property, Lodi Township
The farm is approximately 30 acres and is located along Pleasant Lake Road in Lodi Township. The property is considered large enough to sustain agricultural production and is in a location that will encourage additional farmland and agricultural preservation activities. It is adjacent to the Lambarth Property (on which City Council approved participation in the purchase of a conservation easement on June 17, 2019 (R-19-278)), and would create a contiguous protected area of more than 172 acres. It is also approximately three-quarter miles from another Greenbelt easement. The property scored in the top 63% 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 Lodi Township.
An appraisal for a conservation easement on the property was completed in October 2019. The fair market value was appraised at $130,000.00.
Proposed Project Budget:
Purchase Price:
Appraised Fair Market Value: $130,000.00
Washtenaw County Amount: $ 65,000.00 (50.0%)
Lodi Township Amount: $ 1,000.00 (0.8%)
Ci...
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