Title
Land Acquisition for Tree Canopy Preservation Program
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of an approximately 4.049-acre parcel (parcel identification number 189-261-90) located near Valley Haven and Thermal Roads, Charlotte, North Carolina for the purchase price of $270,000, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute any documents necessary to complete the transaction.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Alyson Craig, Planning, Design, and Development
Tim Porter, Planning, Design, and Development
Explanation
§ The property owners approached the city to determine its interest in purchase of the property located near Valley Haven and Thermal Roads (located in Council District 6) for the Tree Canopy Preservation Program (TCPP).
§ Staff assessed the property using the current TCPP conservation scoring model.
- The property scored high in comparison to previously TCPP-acquired and targeted properties with significant value related to property location, acres of contiguous tree canopy, overall ecosystem value, forest health, and overall conservation value.
§ This property contains high quality mature hardwood trees and other native, beneficial species. Protection of the site will benefit a diversity of resident and migratory wildlife, provide oxygen, and help to protect the water quality of the local watershed.
§ The purchase price is based on appraised value and negotiations with the property owners.
§ On June 18, 2024, the Planning Committee reviewed the proposed land acquisition and had no comments.
§ This transaction is consistent with the City-Owned Real Estate and Facilities Policy, adopted by City Council in June 2017.
Background
§ In 2011, City Council adopted a goal of 50 percent tree canopy coverage by the year 2050. The Tree Canopy Preservation Program supports the goal through acquisition and protection of properties that are already forested or provide planting opportunities.
§ The city’s Unified Development Ordinance allows developers in some cases to pay the city in lieu of preserving trees on site. The city uses these funds for property acquisition to support long-term tree canopy conservation and related expenditures associated with ongoing forest management and property maintenance needs.
§ TCPP has acquired and preserved over 350 acres of land to date and protected approximately twice as much land than developers would have been required to under the on-site tree save option.
§ TCPP supports tree canopy policy objectives outlined in City Council’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan adopted June 21, 2021, and Urban Forest Master Plan adopted September 25, 2017.
§ All acquisitions through the program are voluntary.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Neighborhood Development Grants Fund
Attachment(s)
Map