Title
Acquisition of Tax Parcels 15702-000-000, 15702-005-001, 15702-005-002, & 15648-001-001, owned by J & L Acquisitions, Inc., James L. Peterson, as President and individually, all located in Alachua County, Gainesville, Florida. (B)
This item is a request for approval to purchase the above referenced property for the RTS maintenance facility expansion.
Explanation
On April 14, 2008, a presentation was made to the City Commission by Public Works Director Teresa Scott, Transit Director Jesus Gomez, and David C. Duchscherer, P.E., of Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers regarding three proposed options for the RTS maintenance facility expansion project. At that time, the City Commission directed staff to continue with the planning/design of Option D as outlined in the presentation and to mitigate impacts on Depot Park.
RTS proceeded as directed but after much time and effort, was unable to acquire the 5 pieces of property adjacent to the existing facility. RTS continued to work with the Public Works Land Rights Coordinator to find alternative sites of 15-20 acres but none were suitable. It was also determined that a satellite facility would cost RTS in excess of $700,000 annually depending on the location of the facility and the need for extra personnel to operate it.
Eventually 16 acres adjacent to the current RTS facility became available and after discussions with the property owner and his agent, the property owner expressed an interest in selling the property. An appraisal from Emerson Appraisal Company and the review appraisal, prepared by Andrew Santangini, Jr., MAI, were received and submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and received their approval on September 17, 2009. Negotiations with the property owner, Mr. Peterson resulted in an agreement to purchase at the appraised value of $770,000 plus 10% for administrative costs ($847,000). FTA approved this offer on November 24, 2009.
The acquisition of this propert...
Click here for full text