03/27/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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'--- ~_._----.,._,- ;~C-.B---:202-:: Levying assessments for storm sewer between Gilham Road and Norkenzie Road (1000 feet, more or less, west of Gilham Road) from Brewer Avenue to Belt Line Road . Cornm 3/2):/73 Approve M.: Purchase Mathers Property, 16th between Grant and Hayes - Sta:(f recommended ac- quisition of this property, lying in the path of the proposed .Amazon Parkway Westr with general funds to hold in fee for future public use. Development of the property is about to begin under site review procedures, and staff is concerned whether , this development should be allowed to occur or the Ci ty should acquire'. If it is : needed at a later time f~ right-of-way, any longer delay in ~cquiring the property will result in substantial increase in cost because of the development. If it is not needed for right-of-way, there is the possibility of its use for parkland, bike paths, or the value could be reco,:!2f.ed~<th~oughsai'e. It is proposed not to use bond money nor to dedicate the land for street purposes to avoid 1egal'cha11enges. Recommendation: Levy a~sessments as proposed for both projects. In answer to Councilwoman Bea1, Assistant Manager said the owners are asking in ex- cess of $35,000. Since that figure was quoted there has been some investment in the property. There is substantial difference between the City's appraisal of value and that of the owners. Assistant Manager pointed out on a map location of the two lots in relation to others purchased over the last ten to fifteen years for the projected right-Of-way. Mrs. Beal asked whether the road, if built, would be paid for from City, funds or State/Federal funds. Assistant Manager answered that it is assumed at this time City funds will be used; however, financing will be sought wherever it appears to be 1ike1y.- There is no major source of funds available at this time. Staff 1s asking direction in an effort to minimize the public cost of acquiring the property for pUblic purposes. In answer to further questions from Councilwoman Beal, Assistant Manager added that possible uses for the property if it is decided the Parkway is not to be constructed are park sites, bicycle routes, etc. He said that although property values cannot be guaranteed the City should be able to re- cover the value of the lots if they were to be sold. City Engineer estimated 20 to 30 j?-arcels have already been purchased along the Amazon Parkway projected alignment. Income is derived from those upon which there is habitable housing. Mrs. Bea1 said she would want assurance if the fUrchase were authorized that the City would not be ~nalized s~ould the road not be built. 'Councilwoman Campbell asked what assurance the City has that-this situation will not ~- recu~ ~:i..th r9;Jard to other properties needed fdr the right:::of-way. Assistant , /--- ~--, Manager answered that- a number of ownez:~ are Weli ting for a decision on the Parkway in the desire to be co-operative, and staff is considering each property as it be- comes necessary. ~. Dick Getty of Getty Real Estate said the owners are willing to grant an easement across the property to allow construction of a bi;cycle path, pedestrian way, _and-Tel'iited landscaping. The only restriction imposed would be tha't no lOC)tor vehicles would be allowed on ~e easement except for construction and maintenance; that the bi*ewa9~be co~s~tructed' away from a possible patio encroachment upon the easement; and that the easement would be conveyed at the time of issuance of bui1d- \ ing permi ts for development on the property. There would be no expense to the Ci ty other than that incurred in preparing the easement papers. Mayor Anderson explained that the Council was in no position to negotiate in a public meeting. He asked Mr. Getty to con~act staff in that regard. The Mayor said the City has committed itself to the construction of the Amazon Parkway West to the point Mere several properties have'been purchased for that purpose. To de- I cide at this point not to proceed, he felt, would be a fundamental decision that there would be no Amazon Parkway constructed. Mr. Anderson felt the Council should go ahead with the idea that alternate uses would be possible should the road not be constructed, and that it would not appear value of the land would depreciate. Mike Safley of M~M Development thought the development and easement were both possible, I that the building site could be adjusted so as not to jnfringe upon the roadway. Assistant Manager sai d that if the roadway is developed it would not leave the ability to make improvements on the site. Staff need5:~uthorization to negotiate for purchase and failing ability to negotiate, authorization for condemnation to keep development from occurring. '10 3/27/73 - 10 .- . . :e I ! r