Title
Donation of Real Property by the Great Oaks Properties and a Request to Name the Property in Memory of Dr. John Mahon (B)
Explanation
After numerous discussions between the City Manager and property neighbors, Great Oaks Properties offered to donate a parcel of land located south of the 4300 block of Newberry Road and east of NW 44th Street (tax parcel number yet to be assigned). Acquisition of this nearly 10-acre parcel within the northwest urban area of Gainesville will provide a buffer between commercial development on Newberry road and the surrounding neighborhoods. It will also provide the surrounding neighborhoods with greenspace, opportunities for passive recreation, and natural treatment of stormwater runoff as well as aesthetic value.
This 10-acre section of property was originally part of the "Glikes property" and was the subject of an FCT grants application written by the City in 2001. Originally the donation was anticipated to be a larger 20-acre parcel; however, when the donation was scaled back to the 10-acre parcel, City staff negotiated with the owners to remove various onerous provisions of the FCT program. As a result, the city's commitment will be as follows:
* A permanent recognition sign shall be maintained in the entrance area of the project site.
* Interpretive signage shall be provided to educate visitors about the natural environment.
* A biological inventory of the natural communities shall be performed.
* The project site shall be managed to protect and enhance the native wildlife species.
* An on-going monitoring and control program for invasive vegetation shall be implemented.
At the April 12, 2004 City Commission meeting, Susan Wright of the Sugarfoot Neighborhood requested the City Commission name the donated parcel of land in memory of Dr. John Mahon. The Commission then referred this request to the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee. The RCA Committee heard this request at its May 13, 2004 me...
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