11/01/11 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner McGlone stated he had spoken with Commissioner Wise and he (Wise) is against the purchase of this property and suggested letting it go tax forfeit. Commissioner McGlone stated he agrees with Mr. Wise. He feels that is not dedicated parkland. He stated we do not need any more parkland and, in fact, he hoped we would have less parkland. He reiterated he has no desire to purchase that for any price and have it dedicated as parkland. Commissioner Tossey noted it is in the Comp Plan as parkland. He stated this land could be restricted to just parkland. Most of it is wetland so it will not be developed anyway. Three hundred dollars is not really significant. As citizens age, you tend to have parks that do not get used. In this case, it's such a small portion and small amount of money, he does not have a problem with it. Commissioner Ramsey suggested the piece could be purchased and made marketable. He stated for $300, just clear it up and be done with it. Commissioner McGlone stated a portion is developable so why not allow someone to purchase it. Most of us want to be out of the developing business. Let's just leave it alone. Maybe in eight to ten years, the State will just give it to us. Development Manager Lazan stated that $15,500 is the cost to preserve the right to develop it. His argument is if you have a developable piece of property surrounded by wetland and parks, someone can sweep in and get this parcel. However, if the idea is that we do not want houses here, why are we doing that. Commissioner Strommen expressed her agreement with Commissioner Ramsey. She felt the simplest, least expensive way to do that is to purchase it for parkland. That way you do not have to deal with what someone might do with it. Consensus was to proceed with the purchase of the tax forfeit parcel in North Commons. 5.4 Update on Sunwood Realignment Development Manager Lazan stated that work has continued on the feasibility of the realignment of Sunwood Drive to its permanent intersection with Armstrong Boulevard. Potential development interest on HRA property south and west of the new alignment has necessitated consideration of this work and the effort to establish the alignment and consider this project. He reviewed from the staff report that the intersection location contemplated by the current development plan does not align with the current 147 alignment, nor does the current right -of- way for West Ramsey Parkway. He reported that there has been considerable discussion on the proposed Armstrong/Sunwood intersection and the best way to phase these improvements with the Armstrong Interchange. He presented a map to the HRA and detailed what the colors on the map were. He stated that Sunwood is a hard urban-edged character of the street and merges into a retail area where the sidewalks are pulled out a ways. This alignment contemplates only as it is today — that's the current status. He stated that staff will be having a discussion with Solomon. He talked about better access — better right in — right out and additional parking. He stated that is all the chips in the mix right now. Housing and Redevelopment Authority / November 1, 2011 Page 5 of 9