Title
Update on the Purchase of Surplus Department of Corrections Property by the City of Gainesville (B)
The purpose of this item is to provide an update to the City Commission on the status of the negotiation between the City and the State for the purchase of surplus Department of Correction (DOC) property and to adopt a Resolution and approve negotiations and purchase of Phase Two of the acquisition.
Explanation
On July 20, 2012, the City was notified that the State Department of Corrections (DOC) intended to surplus approximately 1,300 acres. Through the appraisal process and budget restraints, it was determined the City could afford 28 acres of a correction facility to provide a variety of services at the complex, aiding homeless and needy individuals and families in our community. This portion of the purchase was referred to as Phase One of the land acquisition. Phase Two was that portion of the facility DOC wanted to retain for their parole and probation office. A decision was made to offer City owned property, located at 217 Northeast 1st Street in exchange for Phase Two. The City owned property required a special use permit to allow the DOC proposed use, however the special use permit was denied.
Subsequently, DOC decided not to use the Phase Two portion of the correctional facility, allowing the State to declare it as surplus. State procedures require a “Notice of Intent to Sell Surplus State Land” be published, allowing other State departments or governmental organizations to acquire the property. That notice was received by the City on September 23, 2013. The notice states the City is in the process of purchasing the facilities surrounding the portion being declared as surplus and identifies the City’s intended use. The notice also stipulates the City must adopt a resolution to acquire the property for the appraised market value. The state is currently having the Phase II property appraised.
Fiscal Note
There is approximately $2.3 m...
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