STAFF REPORT

Operations Committee, December 6, 2007

Crescent Green Property Donation (PR08-12)

Consideration of acceptance of a donation of 4.38 acres of land located on Crescent Green and the donation of $10,000 for the maintenance of the existing sidewalk thereon

Speaker:  Ms. Mary Henderson

From:  Mary G. Henderson, Director, PRCR

Prepared by:  Sandi Bailey, Parks Planner, PRCR

Approved by:  William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager

Approved by:  Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager

Staff is requesting Council’s consideration to accept the donation of 4.38 acres of open space located adjacent to Crescent Green Drive, which connects directly with both Tryon and Kildaire Farm Roads in the Crescent Green Development. The property is owned by Phil Goodson.  The proposed donation area was platted as “Common Open Space” and this designation was made for the purpose of establishing in perpetuity the property as a natural and undisturbed area within the Crescent Development.

This parcel was inventoried as “Existing Open Space” as part of the approved Open Space and Historical Resources Plan.  In addition, a Town of Cary greenway has been proposed through this parcel to ultimately link with Ritter Park. The future Crescent Green Greenway will be approximately .87 miles in length and will connect the offices, hotel and retail in the Crescent Green & Crescent Commons Drive area to the Swift Creek Greenway in Ritter Park.

A creek flows through the property and 90% of the 4.38 acres is covered by Urban Transition Buffers. There is an existing, privately maintained 5’-wide concrete sidewalk that meanders through the property, as well as 2 wooden bridges onsite where the sidewalk crosses the creek.  The owner has recently made improvements to the two wooden bridges although further improvements will be required in the future.

An analysis of the property has indicated that the sidewalk veers off the parcel in two locations and additional easement will be required for public access. The owner is in the process of securing additional easement.

In addition, the owner of the property has offered to also donate $10,000 for future maintenance of the property.

For tax reasons, Mr. Goodson must close on this property before the end of 2007.

Fiscal Impact:

Operating Impact:  Long term fiscal impact would include ongoing routine mainten-ance by Public Works.

Funding:  Since this is a donation, no immediate funding is requested. The owner of the property has offered to donate $10,000 for future maintenance of the property.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends acceptance of 4.38 acres of the open space donation as described. Final acceptance would be subject to a satisfactory Phase 1 environmental report, proof of clear title to the property and the current owner securing public greenway easements for the areas in which the existing sidewalk encroaches onto two other tracts.  Staff also recommends acceptance of $10,000 from the landowner for future maintenance.