SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Contract for the Purchase of Real Property located at First St, East Lot’s 1 and 2 by the City of Clearwater Parks Department from A Investments Development Corp. for the purchase price of $1,240,000.00 and $15,000 closing expenditures, not to exceed $1,255,000.00, as recorded in O.R. Book(s) 21923, Page 910, Book 14426, Page 14 and 17, Book 17947, Page 1794, Book 12632, Page 1261, and Book 21989, Page 2463 all part thereof the Public Records Plat Book 9, Page 52 of Pinellas County, FL, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Said parcels 1 and 2 are adjacent to Lake Chautauqua consisting of 3.97 acres or 173,234 sq. feet with over 160 feet of unobstructed lake waterfront.
These lake water lots are semi-cleared to offer much foliage, tree canopy, and a natural water inlet for many possible uses. The purchase of this property will compliment other park parcels surrounding the lake including Lake Chautauqua Park and Lake Chautauqua Park South. Future development of the property is unknown at this time; however, it does provide unobstructed access to the lake and lake activities like fishing, kayaking, canoe launch etc.
Appraisals of Lots 1 and 2 were completed on November 6, 2024, to the market value of $1,240,000.00 dollars.
The acquisition of these parcels will result in a reoccurring operational cost of $2,640 a year for mowing and landscape maintenance.
City environmental staff have completed their review of all environmental test results relating to this site and see no reason not to purchase the site. City staff have reviewed and approved this purchase.
Funding for this purchase is coming from the Open Space/Recreation Facility Special Development Fund. These funds must be used for park land purchases only. Purchase of this property will allow the city to utilize funds in a timely manner to purchase park property according to the past Open Space Recreation Facility Land Ordinance.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in Special Development Fund for this purchase. A first quarter budget amendment will transfer $275,000.00 of Open Space impact fees and $980,000.00 of Recreation Facility Land fees from the Special Development Fund into project 315-93133 Park Land Acquisition.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of this parkland purchase supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
• 3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
• 4.1: Support proactive climate resiliency strategies based in science to protect natural and built environments from impacts associated with sea level rise.
• 4.3: Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
