Title
Agenda Item:
Timeline and Milestones for Acquisition of Isthmus Properties
Body
Issue:
Provide an update on the timeline and milestones for the acquisition of the Isthmus properties.
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager's Recommendation:
Provide guidance on a timeline and milestones for the acquisition of the Isthmus properties.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8740
Linda Oestreich, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8740
Linda Oestreich, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8462
Background and Analysis:
The City Council directed staff to work with partners to develop an acquisition strategy for the Isthmus properties, shown in Attachment 1. Since 2011, staff has been working with the Olympia Capitol Park Foundation, Trust for Public Land (TPL), Thurston County, and the State of Washington to look for opportunities to acquire these properties.
At the July 17, 2012 Council meeting, Council considered a purchase option signed by TPL for the purchase of the Capitol Center building and associated properties. At that time, Council decided not to move forward with a ballot measure for the acquisition of this property due to timing and budget considerations. Council provided the following direction to staff regarding future actions on the Isthmus properties:
Tri-Way (Larida) Properties
· Prioritize acquisition of the Tri Way (Larida) properties
· Negotiate with whoever can provide clear title
· Continue to work with partners (State, County, TPL, Olympia Capitol Park Foundation)
· Commit funds earmarked to-date for the Isthmus parcels to the Tri-Way (Larida) properties
· Move to get the Larida buildings cleaned up as soon as possible
· Work toward a goal of acquisition of Tri-Way (Larida) properties and building demolition within one year
Capitol Center Properties
· Seek and involve other partners
· Continue to gather information on the value, environmental conditions, and demolition costs
· Creation of a public space that can be maintained
· Pursue alternatives for demolition
· Create a vision for possible uses of this space
Based on this direction, staff will present a schedule with key milestones for Council review and consideration.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
City staff has been working in partnership with the Olympia Capitol Park Foundation and the Trust for Public Land, Thurston County, and the State of Washington towards the acquisition of the Isthmus parcels.
City staff will also inform the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) as to the progress of acquisition of the Isthmus parcels.
Options:
Council is asked to provide guidance on the schedule and key milestones which will be presented at the meeting.
Financial Impact:
Depends on approach.