Title
Resolution to Approve Purchase of Greenbelt District Land and Appropriate $766,517.00 for Purchase of Fee Title to the James R. Gysel Property (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 22nd, 2022 “Greenbelt Buy-Protect-Sell Framework” memo for detailed information on BPS transactions. This resolution approves the purchase of a 15.01-acre parcel as the Greenbelt Program’s third BPS project.
This resolution approves the purchase of fee title to approximately 15.01 acres of land owned by James R. Gysel, located in Salem Township. This property is adjacent to the 375-acre Hamilton conservation easement held by the City’s Greenbelt program, adding to a significant contiguous block of protected land within the Greenbelt District.
Once acquired, the 15.01-acre parcel will be held by the City until a Request for Proposals is developed by City staff and released to the public. The RFP process would mirror the process developed and implemented for the City’s prior Buy-Protect-Sell projects. Once a buyer is selected, an outsale of the protected property will generate proceeds to the Open Space & Parkland Preservation millage fund balance, and those proceeds would be earmarked for use again within the Greenbelt District. Upon sale, the City would retain a perpetual conservation easement on the property. Staff anticipate this parcel creating one new affordable farmland purchasing opportunity, adding to the City’s portfolio of work addressing farmland ownership, succession, and inequity challenges in the region.
Due to the unpredictable nature of real estate markets, City staff is seeking authorization to execute a purchase agreement that includes a due diligen...
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