Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the DeForest Property in Superior Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $270,992?.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves the purchase of a conservation easement on the DeForest property located in Superior Township. The resolution also approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and appropriates up to $270,992?.00 for the purchase from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund.
DeForest Property, Superior Township
The farm is approximately 71.5 acres and is located along Stommel Road in Superior Township. The property is adjacent to a Washtenaw County conservation easement and connects to the larger 2,000+ acre "Superior Greenway" in Superior Township. The property scored in the top 1% 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 Superior Township.
An appraisal for a conservation easement on the property was completed in February 2021, which determined the fair market value to be $475,000.00.
Project Budget:
Purchase Price $475,000.00
Washtenaw County $237,500.00 50%
Superior Township $17,875.00 3.8%
City of Ann Arbor $219,625.00 46.2%
Other Costs $51,367.00
Estimated Due Diligence $20,000.00
Estimated Closing Costs $7,500.00
Endowment $23,867.00
City Final Costs $270,992.00
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended this purchase at its March 4, 2021 meeting. Approval of the resolution is recommended by staff.
*Any reference to Lodi Township was corrected as a scriv...
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