Staff Report

 

March 23, 2009

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                           Bowie City Council

FROM:                     David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT:                Proposed Property Acquisition

Staff annually identifies potential properties in Bowie that may be available for acquisition using either Program Open Space funds or city general funds. Last year, City Council was apprised of that action, and concurred with a staff recommendation to pursue the McLaughlin Property, located on Laurel Bowie Rd, adjacent to the WB&A Trail.

In accordance with Program Open Space regulations, two commercial appraisals were obtained and an offer was made and accepted by Agnes T. McLaughlin. This is a 12.80 acre wooded parcel with the exception of a single-family structure, an open garage and a work shed. Staff prepared the required paperwork for Program Open Space approval. The approval for the project by the Board of Public Works occurred on March 18, 2009. The price agreed upon is $511,350, with an additional $2,500 in appraisal costs, all of which are reimbursable after settlement. The City will be paying the settlement costs directly.

Please find enclosed a Contract For Sale and Purchase of Real Property signed by Mrs. McLaughlin providing her commitment to sell the property to the City of Bowie for the agreed upon price. Staff recommends approval of Resolution  R-19-09 to approve the acquisition of the parcel by the City of Bowie. Settlement is anticipated in April, 2009. 

 

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                                                                                                         R-19-09

RESOLUTION

OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOWIE, MARYLAND
TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USE IN THE AMOUNT
OF 12.80 ACRES FROM AGNES T. MCLAUGHLIN FOR $511,350

         WHEREAS, the City of Bowie owns and maintains land for the general benefit and use of its residents; and

         WHEREAS, city staff evaluate on a recurring basis any properties that may be deemed beneficial to be purchased in order to provide general open space and recreational opportunities to the community; and

         WHEREAS, City Council directed staff to pursue the possible acquisition of the McLaughlin Property in 2008; and

         WHEREAS, appraisals were performed and an offer made to purchase the 12.80 acres of land for $511,350; and

         WHEREAS, funds for this purchase are available in the current year budget from our existing Program Open Space funds; and

         WHEREAS, the project has been approved by Maryland’s Board of Public Works thereby making this a fully reimbursable transaction; and

         NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Bowie, Maryland that the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into an Agreement with Agnes T. McLaughlin in the amount of $511,350.

         INTRODUCED AND PASSED by the Council of the City of Bowie, Maryland at a Regular Meeting on April 6, 2009.

__________________
G. Frederick Robinson
Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________
Pamela A. Fleming
City Clerk