Minutes 04/25/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 25, 2023  VDOT has established a policy requiring that, at the end of each project, the locality must accept a Deed from VDOT conveying title to all of the remnant property that was not incorporated into the right of way.  Most of this remnant property is of minimal value and serves only to deplete City finances because of the required regular mowing and maintenance.  2625, 2627, 2629, and 2631 Turnpike Road (collectively, the “Turnpike Property”) were among the parcels conveyed by VDOT to the City at the conclusion of the Turnpike Road widening project. The value of the Turnpike Property was assessed at $53,250 for FY 2022.  Airline Property: In the 1980s, PRHA acquired several properties in Hattonsville as part of the Hattonsville Redevelopment Project. It conveyed most of these properties for private development in the 1980s and 1990s. However, it was unable to find a purchaser for the property generally known as 3115 Airline Boulevard.  This property is oddly shaped and extends back from Airline Boulevard to the railroad tracks adjacent to Ballard Avenue. It consists of Tax Map 0573, Parcels 0070 through 0220 (collectively, the “Airline Property”).  In 2020, PRHA conveyed the Airline Property to the City for use as right-of-way. However, the City’s plans subsequently changed and the City has no further use for the property.  The value of the Airline Property has been appraised at $110,000. Discussion:  Turnpike Property: Gary Muhammad has made an offer to EDA to acquire the Turnpike Property for a purchase price of $25,000. Mr. Muhammad intends to construct infill single family housing.  The conveyance of the Turnpike Property for private development will benefit the City and its citizens by placing the property back on the tax rolls, providing new housing, and removing the City’s obligation to expend funds to maintain the property.  Airline Property: JOB Ventures, LLC has made an offer to EDA to purchase the Airline Property for the appraised value ($110,000) for use as an office/storage area.  The conveyance of the Airline Property for private development will benefit the City and its citizens by placing property that has been publicly owned for over three decades back on the tax rolls and removing the City’s obligation to expend funds to maintain the property.  The Economic Development Authority has adopted Resolutions authorizing the conveyance of the Turnpike Property to Gary Muhammad and conveyance of the Airline Property to JOB Ventures, LLC, subject to City Council’s approval of conveyance of the properties to EDA. The Resolution presented for City Council consideration would authorize conveyance to EDA so that these transactions can move forward. Financial impact:  The conveyance of the parcels to EDA will benefit the City and its residents financially by returning property to the tax rolls and saving mowing and maintenance costs. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The City Manager will execute Deeds conveying the properties to EDA. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF 2625-2631 TURNPIKE ROAD AND 3115 AIRLINE BOULEVARD TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation performed a project to widen Turnpike Road in Portsmouth; and