LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Ashton J. Hayward, III, Mayor
Council Member Jewel Cannada-Wynn
SUBJECT:
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RETURN CONVEYANCE OF MORRIS COURT PARK TO THE AREA HOUSING COMMISSION
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council authorize the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to return the property located at North “J” and West Lloyd Streets, known as Morris Court Park, to the Area Housing Commission for use as planned affordable housing.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
On June 27, 1990, the Area Housing Commission (AHC) granted conveyance of the referenced property to the City of Pensacola for use as a park. This conveyance had the express condition that the grantee and its successors and assigns shall forever keep and use the property as a playground area for children. If the grantee did not continue use as a park, the property would revert to the Grantor (AHC).
On September 16, 2016, the AHC’s Executive Director sent a letter to the City expressing interest in expanding low income apartment rental opportunities on the property for seniors and people with special needs. The Commission stated it was “very much interested in receiving ownership of the property.”
The University of West Florida (UWF) conducted a Parks Needs Assessment and issued its report on December 1, 2016. The assessment found that, given its current resources, the City’s parks system is overbuilt to an unsustainable level. Based on that finding, the UWF report recommended that the City strategically reduce the number of parks and amenities it maintains and improve service by consolidating resources into regional parks.
The park’s perimeter fence will be left in place and AHC will be assume responsibility for all future maintenance of the fence and grounds. Equipment that is salvageable will be reused in existing City parks. Equipment that is not salvageable will be disposed.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The reduction of park inventory will result in an undetermined decrease in maintenance expenditures within the General Fund.
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
3/30/2017
STAFF CONTACT:
Eric W. Olson, City Administrator
Keith Wilkins, Assistant City Administrator
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Deed of Realty dated June 27, 1990
2) Area Housing Commission Letter to Keith Wilkins, dated September 16, 2016
3) Map, Morris Court Park
PRESENTATION: No end