Department: Parks and Recreation
STAFF COORDINATOR:
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: 7
SUBJECT:
Acquisition of land at 224 West Quill Drive
SUMMARY:
This resolution recommends the Planning Commission authorize the acquisition of a 3.3 acre tract of land located at 224 West Quill Drive. The property will be utilized as a future neighborhood park in Council District 7.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The proposed property acquisition will be utilized for the future development of West Quill Park as a neighborhood park in Council District 7. This acquisition is consistent with the policies outlined in the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan which recommends increasing the number and quality of parks to ensure a more equitable distribution of parks and recreation opportunities.
Discussions began with the property owner, District 7 Council Office and the Parks and Recreation Department in the middle of 2018. The Parks and Recreation Department has worked closely with the property owner and Council Office to address the desire for additional park land in the community.
This property is pedestrian accessible along West Quill Drive and will provide an opportunity to add public parkland in an underserved area. The nearest neighborhood park is not accessible by foot to the residents of the Woodlawn Hills neighborhood. The property will be acquired and developed using $500,000.00 in Certificate of Obligation funds and Tax Notes appropriated in the approved FY 2019-2024 Adopted Annual Capital Budget. The funds will utilize $300,000.00 for the actual purchase of the property and $2,937.50 for the associated closing costs. Remaining funds will be utilized for a first phase of improvements.
ISSUE:
The proposed property acquisition will provide additional recreational opportunities for park users in the future. This acquisition is consistent with the policies of the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan which recommend increasing the number and quality of parks to ensure a more equitable distribution of parks and recreation opportunities.
ALTERNATIVES:
The property is located within the Woodlawn Hills neighborhood, thus it is pedestrian accessible. Should this land acquisition not be approved, the opportunity to provide a pedestrian accessible park facility would not be achieved.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $300,000.00 for the acquisition of this property and funding for the associated closing costs is available from Certificate of Obligations and Tax Notes approved in the FY 2019 - FY 2024 Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget for the Council District 7 Land Acquisition & Park Development project. There will be minimal annual operating, maintenance, and security expenses for the undeveloped property. Future associated expenses for operations, maintenance, and security will be addressed upon project development, implementation and completion.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution for the acquisition of a 3.3 acre tract located at 224 West Quill Drive.