Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Real Estate Owned by Paul E. Devlin and Lori J. Devlin Located at 518 5th Avenue SE
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire approximately 8,987 square feet of real estate at 518 5th Avenue SE from Paul E. Devlin and Lori J. Devlin.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire approximately 8,987 square feet of real estate at 518 5th Avenue SE from Paul E. Devlin and Lori J. Devlin.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E., Project Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.570.3953
Mark Barber, City Attorney, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Paul E. Devlin and Lori J. Devlin (Seller) own approximately 8,987 square feet of property located at 518 5th Avenue SE, Assessor Parcel Nos. 78505400500 and 78505400601 (see attached Property Location Map).
The City would like to purchase this property for municipal needs and uses for the City of Olympia. This includes using the property to replace parking lost, as a result of the sale of the Justice Center property. The parking is needed in order to meet permit requirements for parking associated with City Hall. The property also provides an opportunity for future potential low-income housing in Downtown.
Staff has concluded negotiations with the Seller and has prepared the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement attached to this staff report. The purchase price is $680,000.
Climate Analysis:
While the City is required to provide employee parking for City Hall to meet existing permit requirements, this may negatively impact the City’s climate goals to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Free or subsidized employee parking can encourage drive-alone commuting, which increases overall vehicles miles traveled and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
However, potential future use of the site for low-income housing would support a long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by increasing urban density (Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan Strategy T1) and supporting the development of 20-minute neighborhoods (Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan Action T1.4).
Equity Analysis:
The City is required to find alternative parking to meet permit requirements for City Hall due to the loss of parking as a result of the sale of the Justice Center property. Purchase of this parking lot will meet about 19% of the parking required for City Hall. The parking will be utilized by both customers visiting and employees working at City Hall.
The property also provides an opportunity for siting future low-income housing Downtown consistent with goals of the Comprehensive Plan, depending on the City’s future needs (which cannot be predicted at this time).
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The property is located in Downtown Olympia adjacent to City Hall providing readily accessible parking needs for City Hall purposes, potential other municipal needs, and as a future potential low-income housing site.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire approximately 8,987 square feet of real estate at 518 5th Avenue SE from Paul E. Devlin and Lori J. Devlin for municipal needs and uses for the City of Olympia, including parking and as a future potential site for low-income housing.
2. Direct staff to make alterations to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and return to Council for action at a future date.
3. Do not approve the Resolution and direct staff to seek other options to satisfy the City’s need for property to meet municipal needs and uses for the City of Olympia, including parking and as a future potential low-income housing site.
Financial Impact:
The purchase price is $680,000. Proceeds from the sale of the Justice Center property are to be used for this acquisition.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Property Location Map