On the agenda for the last Decatur City Commission meeting of 2015 next Monday – voting on the purchase of nearly 4 acres of land (16 parcels – 13 on West Dearborn Circle and 3 on Chevelle Lane) adjacent to Dearborn Park (MAP). Here’s the note from City Manager Peggy Merriss to the Commission, proposing the purchase…
The purpose of this memorandum is to request authorization for the Mayor or Mayor pro tem and the City Manager or Acting City Manager to execute documents necessary to purchase 16 parcels of property totaling approximately 3.95 acres adjacent to Dearborn Park for an amount not to exceed $500,000.
Acquisition of the 16 parcels will significantly expand Dearborn Park and provide unimproved natural space for the enjoyment of the community into the future.
As part of the current 2015-2016 budget, a $500,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund was approved for a project to be identified, including possible use to acquire greenspace. It is also recommended that the City Commission use the budgeted transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund to cover the cost of this property acquisition.
We are trying to close by the end of December, 2015 so it is recommended that the City Commission authorize the Mayor or Mayor pro tem and the City Manager or Acting City Manager to execute documents in order to maximize flexibility in completing this transaction.
A map showing the location of the parcels is attached.
Keep up to date on this at Friends of Dearborn Park’s Facebook Page http://www.Facebook.com/FriendsOfDearbornPark.
There was a developer that wanted to purchase this property and pave the trail so they could open it to 25 homes. Please let the city know we want to keep this space as passive green space.
This will be a great purchase for the City- thanks all for the efforts to preserve this natural space and expand on an existing park.
I would not have guessed there were 16 largely-contiguous, undeveloped, parcels left inside the city limits. Good on the city for making this happen before a developer could find a way to clearcut them.