Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 21-R95, A Resolution of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, authorizing the acquisition of real property described as the North 110 Feet of the North half of Lot 5, Block 3 of Section 2, Township 37 South, Range 40 East, Plat No. 1 Saint Lucie Gardens, recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 35 of the Public Records of St. Lucie County, Florida, for the purpose of providing additional connectivity to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River as well as additional trail connections within The Port District; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to take any and all appropriate actions to acquire the subject property in Fee Simple; Providing for Conflict; Providing for Severability; Providing an Effective Date.
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Submitted By: Jennifer Davis, Project Manager, Community Redevelopment Agency
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Port District Master Plan was recently adopted by City Council and a northerly connection to the river is recognized as an integral part of the Master Plan. As such, the real property located immediately north of the canal, north of the Walden Woods residential community and immediately west of the City’s Midport Lake recreation parcel was identified as a key connection point to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. City staff is requesting to purchase the real property to execute key recreation, education and design elements from the Port District Master Plan as it relates to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Presentation Information: Jennifer Davis, CRA Project Manager, will provide a brief presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the resolution authorizing the City’s purchase of real property identified as Parcel ID 3414-501-4105-050-7 (Doug Coward Property).
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the resolution authorizing the City’s purchase of real property identified as Parcel ID 3414-501-4105-050-7 (Doug Coward Property).
2. Move that the Council not approve the resolution for the purchase of real property identified as Parcel ID 3414-501-4105-050-7 (Doug Coward Property) and provide staff with additional direction.
Background: The Port District (fka Riverwalk District) is one of the key initiatives identified in the City of Port St. Lucie’s Parks and Recreation 10-year Master Plan. As such, over the last several months, the City developed the recently adopted The Port District Master Plan. The City’s planning consultant, LandDesign, identified the real property owned by Doug Coward (Parcel ID 3414-501-4105-050-7) as an opportunity for a key connection point to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This connection will allow those traversing adjacent proposed upland trails to experience a unique perspective of the river, much different from what can be observed to the south along the newly constructed boardwalk sections. The City owns the land immediately adjacent to the east of the subject property, better known as the Midport Lake recreation tract, which has been identified to be developed into a more active role within the Port District Master Plan.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: The proposed purchase price is $115,000, with the Seller paying all closing costs. The City recently secured an appraisal on the property, which identified a value of$150,000 for the tract, and provided for an alternate value of $15,000 once restrictive covenants encumber the property.
Special Consideration: The purchase of the real property represents one of the last opportunities for the City to gain ownership of lands adjacent to the pristine North Fork of the St. Lucie River. With other lands in the area owned by the State of Florida and/or private ownership, this parcel would provide for limited access to the river by way of a pedestrian trail and/or boardwalk connection with overlook and potentially provide kayakers a relief point when heading north along the river.
Location of Project: The Doug Coward Property is located just north of the Walden Woods residential community, immediately west of the Midport Lake recreation tract, along a finger of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. It is bound on the north by lands owned by the State of Florida. The property is further identified in St. Lucie County by Property ID 3414-501-4105-050-7.
Attachments: Resolution; Exhibit A to Resolution - Vacant Land Contract; MLS listing; Location Map; Boundary Survey; Colliers Opinion of Value; City of Port St. Lucie Parks and Recreation 10-year Master Plan Summary Report; Appraisal Report
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 6507
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Margaret M. Carland, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.