ITEM TITLE:
#22-16 - Authorizing the Purchase of 20 Lots Within the Old Valdez Townsite to Include Lots 1-7, Block 49; Lots 3-7, Block 50; Lots 2-6, Block 53; Lots 2-4, Block 54, US Survey 439 From James Williams in the Amount of $80,000
SUBMITTED BY: Kate Huber, Planning Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: $80,000
Unencumbered Balance: $80,000
Funding Source: 350-8000-55000.582
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution #22-16 Authorizing the Purchase of 20 Lots within the Old Valdez Townsite to Include Lots 1-7, Block 49; Lots 3-7, Block 50; Lots 2-6, Block 53; Lots 2-4, Block 54, US Survey 439 From James Williams in the Amount of $80,000.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Thomas McDuffie, conservator for James Williams, is in the process of selling the Valdez properties owned by Mr. Williams. 20 of the parcels are located on the south side of the Richardson Highway in the Old Valdez Townsite (see attached map.) These parcels are about 7,000 square feet in size and have not been modified since the original plat. The lots are not accessible. The area has been platted, but is unimproved.
The terrain near the mouth of Valdez Glacier Stream has changed drastically since the 1891 plat and has increased access issues due to some of the platted roads now being located in the streambed. The lots for sale are not impacted, but this contributes to the challenges with establishing access to the area.
The parcels in this area are zoned light industrial, in part due to concerns related to soil stability, and the desire to prevent residential development from occurring in the old town area. The Comprehensive Plan depicts place types of industrial business & production (closer to the highway) and working waterfront (closer to the water.) Additionally, in the development suitability map, the areas closer to the water are not recommended for development, due to significant environmental constraints.
In order for this area to be developed, access will need to be established, requiring changes to the existing plat. Also, the small lot size poses issues for industrial development. For this reason, city staff desires to eventually re-plat the area to resolve access issues and design lots that are more suitable for the type of development outlined in the comprehensive plan.
Because the conservator for Mr. Williams desires to sell his property, staff is recommending the City Council approve purchase of the 20 parcels. There are other privately held parcels in the area (see attached map) but reducing the number of property owners will more easily facilitate the subdivision process. The City already owns the majority of remaining Old Valdez Townsite parcels.
In January, staff ordered an appraisal of one of the lots, which references the other available properties. The value of 840 Klutina Street or Lot 3, Block 50, Old Valdez Townsite is $4000.
Valdez Municipal Code Section 4.10.010 states that “all acquisitions of any interest in real property shall be approved by resolution of city council.” Should council approve this resolution, the City Manager and Planning Staff will work with our legal team to execute a purchase and sale agreement with Thomas McDuffie to purchase the lots in the amount of $80,000 to be conveyed via warranty deed. The code also requires a phase I environmental assessment to be completed prior to conveyance of the property.