AGENDA DATE: 5/18/2022
TITLE:
Title
Byrom Park Addition
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consider accepting a proposed donation of additional land to the Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park (Byrom Park)
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Hudson, Herrick, Crickenberger, Smith, Padalino
PRESENTER (S): Tim Padalino
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park (Byrom Park) is an existing County park totaling approximately 615 acres in the White Hall Magisterial District (Attachment A). In September 2021, Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) staff was initially contacted by a private donor, Ms. Terry Grant, who expressed interest in purchasing and voluntarily donating to the County an undeveloped 65-acre property (shown in Attachment B) that adjoins Byrom Park. ACPR staff performed a site visit to the property, analyzed its suitability for park uses and operations, and expressed to Ms. Grant staff interest in and support for the proposed donation. Ms. Grant provided a donation proposal in writing on October 27, 2021 (Attachment C).
Following consultation with the Board in December 2021, County staff has continued coordinating the proposed donation with Ms. Grant and her attorney. As part of that coordination process, Ms. Grant entered a purchase contract with a target closing date of May 30. During this feasibility period, ACPR staff retained consultant Draper Aden Associates to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Completed on March 31, 2022, the assessment found “no recognized environmental conditions” at this property. Additionally, a satisfactory title search was completed on March 5, 2022.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship - Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: ACPR staff remain strongly supportive and appreciative of this proposed donation of Parcel ID # 6-28C. Ms. Grant has proposed conditions for the proposed gift of land to “limit the recreational use of this parcel to people on foot” or engaged in walking, running, or hiking. ACPR staff find these proposed conditions to be acceptable.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no immediate budget impacts associated with this proposed gift of land. ACPR staff would be responsible for routine maintenance and land management of the donated property in perpetuity.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment D) to approve the County’s acceptance of Parcel ID # 6-28C, and to authorize the County Executive to sign any documents required to convey the property to the County.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Map of Existing Byrom Park
B - Proposed Donation Parcel (TMP #6-28C)
C - Donation Proposal Letter (dated October 27, 2021)
D - Resolution