Robert Armstrong, Director, Planning and Building Services. Surplus Land - William Croft Ball Park

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1 Date Monday, December 14, 2015 From Subject Robert Armstrong, Director, Planning and Building Services Surplus Land - William Croft Ball Park Report No. PB Roll No / Recommendation That Committee of the Whole recommend Council of the Municipality of Meaford direct staff to commence the process identified by the Sale of Real Property By-law No for more than the nominal fee to consider the disposal of a portion of the William Croft Ball Park. Background Staff have identified areas of William Croft Park that are currently not being utilized for park purposes and maybe disposed of for residential purposes. Attached as Appendix 1 shows the two areas for consideration. As part of the 5 year review of the Official Plan, these two areas were redesignated from Open Space to the Urban Living Area and consequently rezoned from Open Space OS to the Residential R3 zone. It is also noted that there is a discrepancy between the Parcel Register and the Assessment Mapping for Parcel 2. At this time we will consider the Parcel Register to be correct, however this will be confirmed with the applicable survey. In addition, it would appear that an existing residential property may have encroached with a shed onto Parcel 2 and has been maintaining the Municipal land. This will also be confirmed with the survey. Report PB Page 1 of 5

2 Recommendation # 21 of the Recreation & Culture Strategic Master Plan noted that the Municipality should invest in new playground infrastructure at William Croft Park in order to address the playground service gap in the mid urban core area. Parks, Recreation and Culture Staff have identified that the more compatible location for this equipment will be on the parkland adjacent to the Blue Dolphin Pool (former bike park) on Marshall Street. On this basis, it is our opinion that there is no identified need for these lands for park purposes. The property is not currently serviced with a Municipal Water or Sewer Connection, however does front the system. Any purchaser would be required to make the necessary connections at their costs. This does reduce the value of the property. The Municipality passed By-law No that established a process for the sale of real property owned by the Municipality for both nominal and non-nominal amounts. The following procedures shall apply to the sale of real property where the fee is more than nominal: Appraisal of Property Obtain at least one appraisal of the fair market value of the real property subject to attached exemptions. Notice Notice to dispose of real property shall be advertised once a week for two successive weeks in a paper having general circulation in the municipality. Additional Notification Notice is to be provided to property owners within one hundred and twenty metres (120m) of the subject property two weeks prior to the Council meeting where the proposal may be addressed. Notice shall include a summary of the proposal for the subject property, a description of the subject property, the date and time of the Council meeting at which the proposal may be addressed and the name and contact information of the Clerk or designate. Resolution Council shall pass a resolution at a meeting open to the public declaring the best use of the subject property or declaring the acceptance of a proposal. Report PB Page 2 of 5

3 Analysis By-Law A by-law shall be passed by Council authorizing the sale and completion of the transaction. Based on the foregoing, staff are of the opinion that the lands do not provide any long term benefit to the Municipality for park purposes and therefore believe that the lands could be declared surplus. Prior to final consideration by Council on whether the lands could be considered surplus, it is suggested that the required public notice should occur. With regard to the potential future use of the lands, Planning Staff note that Parcel 1 would be ideal for new residential development. The size of Parcel 1 would be approximately 36 metres (118 feet) frontage and 41 metres (134 feet) depth. The creation of two residential lots would be similar to the development in the area. In this regard, the survey to dispose of the lots could identify two parts. The only use for Parcel 2 would be as lot additions to the adjacent residential lots and as such will have less value. At minimum, the Municipality should recover our cost with the disposal of these lands. Financial Impact The Municipality will occur upfront costs to consider the disposal of the lands. This will include advertising, surveying and legal costs. These would total approximately $7,500. The value of a vacant residential lots on services would be approximately $50,000. Net funds obtained from the sale of these lands will be used for priority park development as identified in the Recreation & Culture Strategic Master Plan. Implications The only use of these lands has been for access to an area between the Ball Diamonds for activities related to tournaments. Staff advise that access is still available from Margaret Street between the two buildings and diamonds. In addition, the property had been used previously for parking for the related activity however had been discontinued due to non-compliance with Municipal By-laws. Based on the foregoing, staff do not believe that there are any adverse effects of disposing of these lands. Report PB Page 3 of 5

4 Strategic Priorities This report supports the mission, vision and values of the Municipality of Meaford, as well as the goals and objectives set out in Council s Strategic Priorities , particularly with respect to: Investing in Infrastructure Fund Assets Responsibly Strengthening our Community Enhance Parks and Recreation Consultation and Communications Parks, Recreation and Culture Department Registry Office Formal Public Consultation will occur with as part of the required Public Process Conclusion Staff are of the opinion that there is merit in considering the disposal of the lands identified on Appendix 1 and support Council proceeding with Public Notice to obtain input from the Public on this potential disposal. Supporting Documentation Appendix 1 Respectfully Submitted: Robert Armstrong Director, Development and Environmental Services Reviewed by: Denyse Morrissey, CAO Report PB Page 4 of 5

5 Appendix 1 Report PB Page 5 of 5