Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Webster Township for the Purchase of Development Rights on the Norman Ledwidge Farm and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed the Amount of $179,025.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a Participation Agreement with Webster Township for the purchase of development rights on the farm owned by Norman Ledwidge, tax parcel ID number C-03-33-400-014 in Webster Township. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 75% of the remaining purchase price, after grant funds are allocated, for a City contribution of $179,025.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Bond Proceeds.
Norman Ledwidge applied to the Webster Township Land Preservation program in 2010. Webster Township applied for Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) grant funds in 2010, and the Township was subsequently awarded an FRPP grant in the amount of $182,535.00. Webster Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner. The landowner is also contributing a donation of 10% of the appraised value.
Webster Township is seeking the support from the City of Ann Arbor for 75% of the remaining purchase price. The appraised value of the development rights on the property is $468,039.00. Thus, after the grant funds and landowner donation, the City’s contribution toward the purchase price would be $179,025.00. A detailed budget for this purchase of development rights is included later in this memorandum.
Webster Township received 8 FRPP grants this year, obligating most of their land preservation millage funds. Therefore, Webster Township requested 75% of the remaining funds from the City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt. At its July 14, 2010 meeting, the Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended the contribution based on the adjacency to other protected properties and a high perce...
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