Title
Resolution to Approve Participation Agreement with Webster Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the Purchase of the Development Rights on the Property Owned by James S. Hall Revocable Living Trust in Webster Township, and Appropriate Funds, Not to Exceed $116,370 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 and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation for the purchase of development rights on the property owned by James S. Hall, Trustee of the James S. Hall Revocable Living Trust, in Webster Township. The landowner applied to the Webster Township Land Preservation program and the Township has been the lead agency in the negotiations with the landowner.
Webster Township commissioned an appraisal which was completed in February 2015. The Fair Market Value was determined to be $258,600.00 for the purchase of development rights on the property. The resolution also approves an appropriation of funds for 45% of the purchase price, not to exceed $116,370.00 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage Proceeds.
The property is approximately 99.48 acres with access from Joy Road, and is adjacent to a block of land already protected by the Ann Arbor Greenbelt and Webster Township. The property is primarily wooded with a few small fields that are being converted to organic production.
Approval of the Participation Agreement and appropriation of funds for the purchase of the property was recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission at their May 7, 2015 meeting. The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended moving forward with the application, due to the quality of natural areas on the property, the property's proximity to other protected land, and the opportunity to leverage the City's funds through partnership with Webster Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Rec...
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