Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: Administration
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Acquisition of Property from Werrlein WSSC, LLC: Lower Lot, Suffrage Point
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to enter into a sales agreement with Werrlein WSSC, LLC for the purchase of “outparcel 1” otherwise known as the Lower Lot, for an amount not to exceed $6.5 million. The sales agreement will be subject to the below listed conditions and the review and approval by the City Attorney for legal sufficiency.
The sales agreement shall include the following conditions:
- The City’s obtainment of the $3.5M Greenspace Equity Program Grant to support the City’s purchase of the property.
- The City’s obtainment of two property appraisals.
- Authorization by Werrlein WSSC, LLC for the City to conduct a site survey, evaluation, and soil/core testing during the study period.
- The City will not pay closing costs for the property owner.
- Werrlein WSSC, LLC will complete the following site work prior to the sale:
o Installation of the connecting storm drain, stormwater management piping system
o Removal of the temporary stormwater sediment trap
o Excavation, removal and disposal of dirt/soil
o Removal of the temporary berm between the lot and the park
o Grading, seeding, straw and stabilization of the lot.
o Work must be completed in compliance with all issued permits
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Summary Background:
In 2024, Werrlein Properties submitted a letter requesting the City to consider acquiring the lower lot property of the Suffrage Point development for a purchase price of $10,750,000.00. Currently this land is slated for development and is located in the Traditional Residential Neighborhood (TRN) Character Area of the Gateway Arts District Sector Plan and SMA. The lot was previously zone O-S (Open Space). It was rezoned R-55 through the approval of CSP-18002.
Staff have conducted a preliminary assessment of the site, including zoning, maintenance, environmental constraints, and alignment with the Driskell Park Master Plan and City strategic priorities. Relevant city departments including planning, public works, and finance have been consulted for input on suitability and constraints. Staff held conversations with Werrlein to confirm their interest in selling, negotiate price, and outline the high-level acquisition terms.
Acquiring this property is aligned with the City’s strategic goals to protect and preserve green, open space. This acquisition will also preserve land within a critical floodplain, offering long-term environmental and flood protection benefits. Additionally, the acquisition of this property represents the only opportunity to expand Driskell Park to meet growing community needs for recreational, green, space.
The original discussions included the addition of two parcels in the purchase price.
- Parcel A1 (common pavilion area) 17,671 sf. After meeting with HOA residents, the City will not pursue ownership of this parcel.
- Parcel A2 (The tip): 11,061 sf. HOA members were generally amenable to the City purchasing the tip, however, the City is not considering that parcel at this time.
Next Steps:
Council discussion and authorization for the City Administrator to enter into the sales agreement.
Fiscal Impact:
NTE $6.5 million. The City has been awarded $3.5M from the State to support the acquisition of the property.
City Administrator Comments:
The City will ensure conditions are met and legal review prior to moving forward.
Community Engagement:
A community meeting with Suffrage Point HOA was held on May 20 to discuss Parcel A1. The community will be given opportunities to provide input and feedback on the future plans for the property.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Pending