2B, Trinity Lutheran Church Land Purchase Request

Home Browse Search

Earlier discussions with the Church included the parking lot as a possible sale area. City Staff had initially identified three potential parcels the City might be interested in (Attached). The Church has since decided that the soccer field (Parcel B) and entrance areas (Parcel A) are the - only portions of their property they are interested in selling, and that they would want to sell them as a single parcel. The Church had an appraisal done of the proposed property to be sold, which designated the highest and best use of the property as single-family residential (Attachment Q. The appraisal estimated the market value of the proposed area to be sold at$348,000. The Church has asserted that, in the event the City chooses not to purchase the land, they could subdivide their property, creating two new single family lots. Staff continues to believe that a subdivision of the property for residential use would face steep challenges, as the remaining Church parcel would likely not conform to the City's subdivision ordinance. Discussion The Council met at a work session on July 19 to discuss the proposal from Trinity Lutheran Church and the appraisal. At their work session the Council directed Staff to continue discussions with the Church on the possible sale of the property, but indicated that they felt the appraisal was too high given the assumption regarding the highest and best use for the property and the fact that the configuration of the property posed a significant challenge to subdividing it. The Council directed Staff to make a counter offer to the Church for $174,000. 6 Staff has met with representatives of Trinity Lutheran Church and provided them with the Council's position. The purpose of this work session discussion is to give Milly Bruss and Patricia Nygaard, from Trinity Lutheran, an opportunity to present the Church's goals and position, and give Staff direction on the next course of action. Recommendation The FPAC discussed this proposal at their June 8 meeting. At this meeting the committee indicated that the purchase of additional park land made good long term sense for the future of this park; however,they acknowledged that the price of the land should weigh into the decision. The PTRC has also discussed this proposal and supports the City purchasing additional park land if it is financially feasible. Staff recommends that the City continue to work towards a mutually agreeable purchase price for the sale of this land, and a permanent solution to the parking arrangement. The entrance to Hazelnut Park is important to the continued use of the Park. The soccer field could also be utilized as part of our recreation programming, as soccer space is always in demand; however, additional resources would be needed to bring the field up to a useable condition. City of Arden Hills I Metro-inet.uslardenhillslPlanninglCity Council Memos120101Hazelnut Park Trinity Lutheran ChurchW9-20-10-CC Worksession-Memo- Hazelnut Park Trinity Lutheran.doc Page 2 of 3