Title
Resolution to Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Scio Township and Appropriate $31,667.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the Rouse Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Scio Township for the purchase of fee title to approximately 4.34 acres of land owned by Stephen Rouse, located in Scio Township. The resolution also appropriates $31,667.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds for the purchase.
Washtenaw County will become the fee title holder of the property and add the property to its Scio Woods Preserve. Scio Woods Preserve is a 104-acre publicly accessible nature preserve with a parking lot, trails, and signage.
Rouse Property, Scio Township
The property is approximately 4.34 acres with access from Scio Church Road. This acquisition, along with the adjoining Scio Woods Preserve, would create an uninterrupted 108 acres of publicly accessible protected land in the area.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission commissioned an appraisal which was completed December 12, 2020. The fair market value was determined to be $95,000.00 for the fee title to the property. The tables below detail the financial contributions from partners. The resolution approves an appropriation of funds for 33% of the total purchase price, not to exceed $31,667.00, 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 was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their March 4, 2021 meeting. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended the purchase due to the quality of natural areas on the property, the property's proximity and connectivity to other protected land, and the opportu...
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