Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Development Rights on
Girbach Farm, Approve Participation Agreements with Lodi Township and Legacy Land Conservancy and Appropriate $815,767.00 from Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Bond Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the Purchase of Development Rights, approve participation agreements with Lodi Township and Legacy Land Conservancy, and appropriate $815,767.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Bond Proceeds for the farm owned by Stephen, Frederick and Christopher
Girbach in Lodi Township. The farm is 101.9 acres and is located on Wagner Road, just south of Ellsworth Road.
The easement is made pursuant to section 36111 b of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.3611Ib; MSA 13A.3611Ib) and Chapter 42 of the Ann Arbor City Code. The purchase of the easement is for the preservation of the Property’s agricultural use, including the protection of prime, unique or important soils, by preventing any use that would significantly impair or interfere with the agricultural value.
The parent parcel is approximately 112 acres and is currently in agricultural production. The landowner is excluding approximately 10.1 acres from the easement, which includes the farm house and 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.
On May 18, 2009, City Council approved a resolution (R-09-191) to submit an application to the Federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) for the purchase of development rights on the
Girbach Farm. The resolution approved the purchase of development rights, contingent on award of the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program grant funds. On June 25, 2009, the City received a letter from FRPP that the City was not awarded a grant ...
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