Recently, City Hall entered into an agreement that will acquire land just off the Rail Trail in the Prospector area. This is part of a conservation deal that keeps the possibility of using a small area of the acreage for a housing project open.
The transaction, which was unanimously authorized by the City Council, involves just a bit more than 14 acres of land on the south side of the Rail Trail. The land also climbs a hillside on the south side. The deal cost $500,000 and was entered into with Ted Sommer, the landowner. City Hall indicates that the transfer will be funded using two sources. One source is City Hal’s housing fund, while the other is generated from a portion of sales taxes that are set aside for uses such as conservation acquisitions.
Staffers at City Hall indicate that there is a possibility that a small portion of the land may be used for a municipal housing project. However, the decision has not been finalized and it is not known the type of project or how many units it would involve. One report that was submitted to officials also indicated a park might also be built on part of the land.
The Citizens Open Space Advisory Committee recommended the acquisition, saying, “The parcel holds significant open space value, as it is one of the remaining large parcels within city limits.” The recommendation continued, “…has significant hillside acreage visibility through much of town.”
The conservation efforts by City Hall date back more than two decades and are considered one of the government’s most highly praised programs. Officials have set aside large tracts of land from development. These areas include areas such as the S.R. 225 entryway and Round Valley. As you can see, it is not uncommon for large parcels of land inside the city limits to be acquired by City Hall.
At YouInParkCity.com and KW Park City Keller Williams Real Estate, we understand the intricacies and ins and outs of land acquisitions. If you are interested in purchase or selling any type of real estate in our area, please contact us. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly staff can help you maneuver through a successful real estate transaction, no matter the size, as we specialize in all types of Park City real estate.
Jenny Clark