Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Root Property in Superior Township and Appropriate $180,367.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves the purchase of a conservation easement on the Root property located in Superior Township and appropriates up to $180,367.00 for the purchase from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund.
Root Property, Superior Township
The Root family applied to the Greenbelt program in November 2025 after being referred by Legacy Land Conservancy. The Root farm is approximately 78.5 acres and is located along N Harris Road between N Cherry Hill Road and Vreeland Road in Superior Township. The property is considered large enough to sustain agricultural production and is in a location that will encourage additional farmland and agricultural preservation activities. The farm fields are classic “rolling hill” topography. The relatively healthy upland woods on the west side, continuing into the neighboring protected land, surrounds a permanent pond. Approximately 1800ft of Fowler Creek/Kimmel Drain also flows through the property. Protecting this property adds to an impressive contiguous protected area of more than 1400 acres, much of which is part of Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy’s “Superior Township Greenway.” The property scored a percentile rank of 74% of all agricultural 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, compatible adjacent land use and zoning, and the generous donation by the landowner.
An appraisal for a conservation easement on the property, with a value date of March 16, 2026, determined the fair market value to be $585,000.00.
Proposed Project Budget
Purchase Price $585,000.00
City of Ann Arbor $117,000.00 20%
Landowner Donation $468,000.00 80%
Other Costs $63,367.00
Estimated Due Diligence $32,500.00
Estimated Closing Costs $7,000.00
Endowment $23,867.00
City Funds Appropriation $180,367.00
City purchase price share plus Other Costs.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended this purchase at its June 4, 2026 meeting. Approval of the resolution is recommended by staff.
Staff
Prepared by: Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Land Acquisition Supervisor
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Chapter 42 of Ann Arbor City Code establishes the Greenbelt District and authorizes the City to purchase land and conservation easements on property within the district with Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds;
Whereas, Chapter 42 of Ann Arbor City Code authorizes City Council to enter into agreements for joint acquisition of land and easements in the Greenbelt District with other government agencies; and
Whereas, The fair market value for the conservation easement was determined by an appraisal as required by Section 1:321 of Ann Arbor City Code;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the purchase of a conservation easement on the Root property in Superior Township;
RESOLVED, That approval of the purchase is contingent upon the approval by the City and all entities participating in the purchase of the following:
• The appraisal;
• An environmental site assessment of the property;
• A survey of the property;
• Conveyance of good and marketable title to the conservation easement; and
• Agreement to the terms and conditions of the conservation easement;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute a purchase agreement for the property, after approval by the City Attorney and City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That $180,367.00 is appropriated toward the purchase of this conservation easement from the Open Space and Parkland Acquisition Fund fund balance to the FY27 Parks and Recreation Open Space And Park Acquisition Millage Fund;
RESOLVED, That all amounts appropriated herein are without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate action to implement this resolution, including executing all other documents necessary to complete this purchase after approval by the City Attorney.