CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                CITY COUNCIL AGENDA




 Agenda Date:           August 17, 2020

 Action Required:       Public Hearing to approve sale of City owned real estate

 Presenter:             Chris Gensic, Dept. of Parks and Recreation

 Staff Contacts:        Chris Gensic, Dept. of Parks and Recreation

 Title:                 Approval of Sale of portion of Northeast Park – Public Hearing


Background:
Daniel and Veronica Katz, the owners of 912 Marshall Drive, adjacent to Northeast Park, have
requested to purchase a .13 acre portion of the parkland that abuts their backyard and includes a
small creek area. This area of the park is not used for public recreation and is not needed for public
use. There is not an apparent way to activate this area for public park or trail use in the future since it
does not connect to any public streets. A public hearing is required to authorize the sale of the
property.


Discussion:
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have
reviewed the proposal and have no objection to the sale of this parcel. The proposal has been
circulated to other City departments for comment per the “Sale of City Land Policy” dated May
2009. No department objected to the proposed land sale. The requestors are offering $750 and will
cover all legal, survey, and transfer fees. The requestors’ letter is attached. Neighbors have been
notified and signs posted on the property for 2 weeks in advance of this hearing pursuant to the
above referenced policy.


Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan:
The project supports City Council’s “Green City” vision. It contributes to Goal 2 of the Strategic
Plan, to be a safe, equitable, thriving and beautiful community, and objected 2.5, to provide
natural and historic resources stewardship.


Community Engagement:
Tonight’s public hearing is intended to gather public input on the proposal.


Budgetary Impact:
Proceeds of the sale will be returned to the Parkland Acquisition and Trail Fund to be used to
purchase other property for parkland and trail use.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the sale of the small area of parkland.


Alternatives:
Retain the property as part of Northeast Park.


Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance, Request letter from Katz, Map of property
                              ORDINANCE
               AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF A 0.13 ACRE PORTION
                          IN NORTHEAST PARK

      WHEREAS, property owners Daniel and Veronica Katz have requested to
purchase a .13-acre portion of property located in Northeast Park in the City of
Charlottesville (“City”) which abuts to the back portion of their property located at 912
Marshall Drive; and,

       WHEREAS, the proposed 0.13-acre parcel is not used for public recreation
or public use; and,

       WHEREAS, proceeds of the sale will be returned to the Parkland Acquisition and
Trail Fund to be used to purchase other property for parkland and trail use; and,

      WHEREAS, in accordance with Virginia Code Sec. 15.2-1813, a public hearing
was held to give the public an opportunity to comment on the sale of this property; and

       WHEREAS, City staff has reviewed the request and has no objection to the sale
of said property.

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of
Charlottesville, Virginia, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a Deed of
Bargain & Sale, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to convey the above-described
0.13 acre portion of property in Northeast Park to Daniel and Veronica Katz.