Title
Resolution to Approve the Sale of the North Parcel of the Maisel Buy-Protect-Sell Property to Matthew Demmon for $122,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
To address farmland ownership, succession, and inequity challenges, conservation agencies have been working to ensure that land stays in the hands of farmers through Buy-Protect-Sell (BPS) transactions that directly facilitate affordable farmland access opportunities in their communities. Please refer to staff's February 22, 2022 "Greenbelt Buy-Protect-Sell Framework" memo for detailed information on BPS transactions, as well as the May 5, 2022 "Resolution to Purchase Maisel Property" (R-21-2022) for information on the Maisel BPS Property itself. This resolution approves the fee sale of the North Parcel of the Maisel BPS Property, encumbered with a conservation easement, to Matthew Demmon for $122,000.00. City proceeds from the sale would return the Open Space & Parkland Preservation millage fund balance and be earmarked for use in the Greenbelt District.
In July 2023, Greenbelt staff released a request for proposals to purchase the Maisel BPS property owned by the City. Proposals required information on applicants' farming experience and a business plan for the property; sale prices were fixed. Applicants could select their preference to purchase the entire property (54 acres), the North Parcel (20 acres), or the South Parcel (34 acres). The greatest preference among applicants was for the smaller parcels, so a land division will be required to sell the North and South parcels to different applicants. Six complete proposals were received. Through proposal review including a scoring and ranking exercise, the Greenbelt Advisory Commission determined Matthew Demmon's proposal best fit the objectives of this first BPS project. Matthew has accepted staff's tentative offer of the North Parcel, pending Council approval.
Matthew Demmon is the founder, owner, and manager of Feral Flora, an Ann Arbor-based busi...
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