HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2023-040 Approval of Elmira Rd property aquisisitionMEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
February 13, 2023
TB Resolution 2023 – 040: Authorization to Acquire Approximately 45.141 acres of the Cortright Land at 653 Elmira Road and to Complete the Transaction
Whereas, the real property formerly owned by Isaac and Hazel Cortright at 653 Elmira Road, Tax Parcel # 35.-01.18, is being acquired by Alexis Grimm as the high bidder at a foreclosure
auction which was held on January 26, 2023; and
Whereas, such parcel had previously been approved by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in 2000 for a subdivision into a frontage Parcel A of 2.618 acres and a rear Parcel B of 45.141
acres as part of the New York State Parks plan for the Black Diamond Trail, which subdivision approval expired in 2010; and
Whereas, the Town has determined that if the Town Planning Board reapproves the subdivision again, the Town should acquire the rear Parcel B for a fair market value of $316,000.00 in
order to assist the State in the future development of the Black Diamond Trail, as it did when the Town acquired from Alfred Eddy in 2019 approximately 10 acres to the south of the Cortright
property, with the intent to sell these parcels to New York State; and
Whereas, pursuant to NY General Municipal Law §247, on February 13, 2023, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed acquisition of open space associated with
the future expansion of the Black Diamond Trail; and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the acquisition of this 45.141 acres is an Unlisted
Action for which the Town of Ithaca Town Board, acting in an uncoordinated environmental review, has, on February 13, 2023, made a negative determination of environmental significance,
after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1,2 and 3; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town acquire said 45.141 acres of property and pay $316,000.00 upon delivery of an executed Deed and evidence regarding title acceptable to the Attorney for the Town
on this matter, with said funds to be made available wholly from moneys appropriated from surplus funds, which aresufficient funds to cover the purchase price and costs of this transaction;
and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Supervisor be, and hereby is, authorized and requested to take such steps (including the expenditure of Town surplus funds for purchase, recording fees, filing
fees, and other real estate fees and expenses), and to execute all such documents (including a Purchase Contract with Alexis Grimm) as are deemed necessary to effectuate such land acquisition
and the purposes of this resolution.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes – Goodman, Howe, Levine, Bleiwas, DePaolo and Johnson