ITEM: 11.2 DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF BLAINE TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY
WITH KR FARM LAND HOLDINGS, LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF 38 ACRES TO BE USED FOR THE LEXINGTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX AT 120TH AND LEXINGTON AVENUE
Schedule of Actions
City Council (Purchase Agreement) |
April 19, 2012 |
Background
The City Council has identified the need, through previous workshop discussions, to acquire a site in the eastern half of Blaine for a large athletic facility. Staff has in this process presented two options for possible purchase, both centered on the former Finn Farm property. In January of 2012 the City Council reviewed a conceptual athletic use/park plan for a 38 acre parcel on the southern edge of the Finn Farm owned by Paxmar Development (KR Farm Land Holdings, LLC). The City Council consensus at the time was to move forward with the developer to finalize an agreement both for the purchase of the property and how it would be financed.
Initially the purchase price had been established at $2.3 Million with $1.5 Million of that in future Park Dedication credit. As the negotiations progressed several issues have been worked out which in the end lowered the purchase amount and modified how various development costs, credits and existing special assessments are to be handled.
In summary the agreement terms are as follows:
· Purchase price of $2.2 Million with closing on or about June 30th
· $800,000 cash at closing
· $1.4 Million in credits to the developer consisting of future park dedication payments and WAC (Water Access Charges) from building permits.
· Once the $1.4 credit has been earned (at about two-thirds development) the remaining development would pay park dedication and WAC. The 2011 Park Dedication rate will be used consistently throughout. The WAC will be indexed consistent with other permits.
· The City will also assume the balance (prorated through closing) of the current special assessments of approximately $145,500.
While there has been no design work done since late last year it is clear that the 38 acres, because of its larger area would allow the City to build a combination athletic facility and neighborhood park with:
· Neighborhood scaled park with picnic shelter and playground.
· Significant opportunity for pedestrian trails through the park connecting back to Woodland Drive (the parkway through Woodland Development).
· Full basketball court.
· Tennis Courts (3-4, some of which could be lighted)
· 3-4 fields for youth baseball, and youth and adult softball.
· 5-multi-use fields (FB/SOC/LAX)
· Parking areas for up to 300 cars.
· Lighted fields would significantly increase field use and should be built and lit early in the development process to establish presence prior to homes being built.
· Direct right-in/right-out access onto north bound Lexington Avenue with internal access to Woodland Drive.
· Landscaping features for aesthetics and buffering neighboring future residential (Woodland Development).
Staff has met with Woodand Development to review and discuss the proposed athletic park on this parcel. Given that Woodland will be developing home sites immediately adjacent to the proposed park boundaries their input and reaction to the plan was very important. Their reaction was very positive as they agreed that the proposed park facility would be an asset in many ways. They were concerned about placement of field lights and appreciated the approach the City was suggesting. We agreed to communicate and work closely on the facility design and buffer treatments as the plan moved forward.
It is hoped that the City could complete the design work this summer/fall and begin actual construction in spring 2013. The park would be expected to be open for use sometime later in 2014.
Attached is the January 2012 concept plan and the proposed Purchase Agreement.
Recommendation
By motion, approve resolution authorizing land purchase.
Body
WHEREAS, the City has identified the need for a significant park/athletic facility somewhere in the eastern half of Blaine and
WHEREAS, the 38 acres on Lexington Avenue, owned by KR Farm Land Holdings, LLC meets the size and location criteria needed to accomplish the park and community wide outdoor recreational goals that have been discussed by the City Council and Park Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Blaine that the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to enter into a purchase agreement with KR Farm Land Holdings, LLC, to purchase 38 acres along Lexington Avenue for the purchase price of $2.2 Million and to execute all other documents necessary to facilitate the successful purchase.