Title
Agenda Item:
Discussion of Isthmus Properties
Body
Issue:
Provide direction to City staff regarding strategies or priorities for the acquisition of parcels on the Isthmus.
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Provide direction to City staff.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Tom Morrill, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8740
Linda Oestreich, Director of Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Steve Hall, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has clearly stated its intent to partner with others to acquire parcels of land in downtown Olympia referred to as the Isthmus parcels. The adopted 2010 City of Olympia Parks Plan states that “The City should explore the concept of a public/private partnership to implement an Isthmus park project.” (Attachment #1). In addition, the City conducted an Isthmus Feasibility Study in 2009, which is posted on the City of Olympia website at this link:
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The City Council has directed staff to work with partners to develop an acquisition strategy for these properties. Since early 2011, City staff has worked with the Olympia Isthmus Park Association (Association), Thurston County (County), the State of Washington (State) and the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) to look for opportunities to acquire this land.
Tri Way Parcels
The focus of most of the work has been on the acquisition of the Tri Way parcels which currently contain the abandoned County Health Building and the former Thurston County Housing Authority building. These parcels, referenced as parcels 2 and 3 on the attached map, (Attachment #2) contain about 2.3 acres with an estimated fair market value of approximately $3 million.
In 2012, the Thurston County Commissioners pledged $600,000 from the County conservation futures funds toward ...
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