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County Administrator's Report 13. 1.
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| BCC Regular Meeting |
Discussion |
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| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning the Acquisition of a Vacant Parcel of Real Property for the Southwest Greenway Project - Joy D. Blackmon, P.E., Public Works Department Director
That the Board either approve by super-majority vote or deny:
A. The purchase of a vacant parcel of real property (approximately 17 acres), located on South Fairfield Drive, from Richard Pitman, for the Southwest Greenway Project, for the purchase price of $50,000, which is above the appraised value of $40,000, in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the Contract for Sale and Purchase;
B. The Contract for Sale and Purchase for the acquisition of a vacant parcel of real property (approximately 17 acres) from Richard Pitman; and
C. The authorization for the County Attorney's Office to prepare, and the Chairman or Vice Chairman to execute, subject to Legal review and sign-off, any documents necessary to complete the acquisition of this property without further action of the Board.
[Funding Source: Fund 352, LOST III, Cost Center 220102, Project 08NE0028, Environmentally Sensitive Lands] |
| BACKGROUND: |
The Southwest Greenway and Trail System has been an ongoing County project for more than 10 years. Upon completion, the Southwest Greenway will extend west from Bayou Chico, along Jones Creek, through the Jones Swamp Preserve, into the Perdido Pitcher Plant Prairie Preserve, eventually south to Perdido Key and then to the Alabama state line.
Improvements east of Fairfield Drive are either complete or under construction. A rustic on-grade trail system exists west of Fairfield Drive, extending toward Blue Angel Parkway, with a gap consisting of a single parcel that separates the existing east and west trail segments. The approximately 17 acre parcel, owned by Mr. Richard Pitman, is subject to a Gulf Power utility easement, but is otherwise vacant. When staff approached Mr. Pitman concerning the sale of an easement or the portion of the property necessary for the Southwest Greenway, Mr. Pitman indicated he would only be interested in selling the entire parcel. Staff obtained an appraisal from Sherrill Appraisal Company, which placed a value of $40,000 on the property. Mr. Pitman was not amenable to an offer of the appraised value, but rather indicated he would not sell the property for less than $50,000.
A title insurance commitment search revealed that there were several liens against any property owned by a Richard Pitman, Jr. Richard Pitman, Jr. is Richard Pitman's son, and who does not own or have any interest in the property the County is seeking to acquire from Richard Pitman. The title insurance underwriter is requiring an affidavit of non-identity to be executed by Richard Pitman, which Mr. Pitman has done.
Staff understands the Board's reluctance to pay above appraised value, so two other options of connecting the existing trail improvements without acquiring the Pitman property were evaluated. The two other options evaluated were: 1) bypassing the property to the North through the installation of a sidewalk along Fairfield Drive and Inez Road, or 2) bypassing the property to the South through the construction of elevated boardwalks and bridges to cross Jones Creek. The estimated cost of both alternative options was considerably more expensive, with the installation of sidewalks and elevated boardwalks costing approximately $115,000 and $320,000, respectively. The acquisition of the Pitman property also would allow for the future construction of a trailhead/parking area off Inez Road. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) previously expressed concerns with permitting access directly to Fairfield Drive from existing County property due to limited visibility caused by a curve in the roadway.
After consideration of the above, staff presents this recommendation for Board consideration to approve the purchase of this approximately 17 acre vacant parcel for the acquisition price of $50,000, which is above the appraised value of $40,000 and subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Contract for Sale and Purchase. |
| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
Fund 352, LOST III, Cost Center 220102, Project 08NE0028, Environmentally Sensitive Lands. |
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
| The Contract for Sale and Purchase was approved as to form and legal sufficiency by Stephen West, Senior Assistant County Attorney. The County Attorney's Office will prepare the closing documents and conduct the closing for the purchase of this property. |
| PERSONNEL: |
| All work associated with this acquisition is being done in-house and no additional staff is required. |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| These actions are consistent with the provisions of Section 46-139 of the Escambia County Code of Ordinances. |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| Upon Board approval, staff will maintain compliance with Section 46-139 of the Escambia County Code of Ordinances. |
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