Title
Resolution to Declare 1761 Southeast 4th Street as Surplus and Dispose of City Owned Property (B)
This item involves a request to the City Commission to adopt a Resolution declaring 1761 Southeast 4th Street (Tax parcel 15853-000-000) as surplus property to be disposed of for affordable housing purposes, retaining the front Twenty (20) feet for future right-of-way.
Explanation
This property, known as Tax Parcel 15853-000-000, located at 1761 Southeast 4th Street, escheated to the County for nonpayment of taxes on November 28, 2000 by virtue of Florida Statute 197.502(8). The County, pursuant to Florida Statute 197.592 (3) conveyed the property to the City on August 8, 2006. The current tax assessed value of the property is $5,000. In December of 2012, the City received a request from Alachua Habitat for Humanity, Inc., for a donation of property suitable for development of single family housing. An "Intent to Surplus" form regarding parcel was routed to all departments and utility companies for a determination of use. Public Works would like to retain the front Twenty (20) feet as future right of way.
In accordance with the Real Property Policies adopted by the City Commission on April 18, 2013, (Resolution No. 100630), this item requests the City Commission to adopt a resolution finding and declaring that the property is surplus. As defined in the Policies, surplus means "property which no longer serves a public purpose, or is in excess of the City's needs, or the sale of which would serve a greater public purpose than the retention of the property." If the Commission adopts the resolution, the Public Works Department will dispose of the property in a competitive manner. To achieve affordable housing goals, the property will be offered only to non-profit organizations that will construct an affordable new home for qualified low-income first-time homebuyers. As a part of the deed conveyance the City will allow the selected recipient up to 2 years from the date of closing to build a new affordable home(s) on the property. If a new home is not built within this time period, then this property will revert back to the City for use as determined by the City at that time. The disposition of this property would allow the opportunity to develop the vacant lot into useable housing stock and assist in the City's continuing effort to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods for the benefit of all residents; and to increase the amount of affordable and low cost housing in the City. This type of affordable housing project will assist the City in meeting its goals to accomplish these initiatives. Staff believes it would be in the best interest of the City to return this parcel to the tax rolls, retaining the front Twenty (20) feet for future right-of-way.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $100 for administrative costs is available in the Public Works Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission: adopt the Resolution declaring 1761 Southeast 4th Street (Tax parcel 15853-000-000) as surplus property to be disposed of for affordable housing purposes, retaining the front Twenty (20) feet for future right-of-way.