Title
Resolution to Approve Grant Application to Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program for Purchase of Development Rights on G. Whitney Property (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) application for the purchase of development rights (PDR) for the Gilbert Whitney Property located in Webster Township.
Grant Application:
Applications to the Federal FRPP program are for funds up to 50% of the appraised fair market value of the development rights to a maximum of $5,000 per acre. Completed applications must be submitted by February 17, 2010. It is anticipated that a request for approvals of grants, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in March 2010.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of the grant application at its January 13, 2010 meeting.
The attached resolution also approves Voluntary Agreement for the Sale of Agricultural Land Development Rights for the farm.
The Voluntary Agreement for the sale of the development rights (pending offer) is contingent on the following:
a. Establishment of a fair market price for the development rights to be determined by an appraisal.
b. Conveyance of good and marketable title to the development rights by Farmland Development Rights Easement.
c. Acceptable environmental site assessment of property.
d. Acceptance of the Farmland Development Rights Easement by Ann Arbor City Council and the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.
If awarded grant funds, an appraisal will be completed and a complete budget, along with purchase agreement will be submitted to Council for review and action.
Conservation Easement:
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 easement is for the purpose of preservation of the Property’s agricultural...
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