Title
Land Acquisition for Tree Canopy Preservation Program on Hart Road
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of two parcels consisting of approximately 1.641 acres in total located at 1404 and 1408 Hart Road (parcel identification numbers 031-472-37 and 031-472-38) in the amount of $601,000,
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to grant a conservation easement to the Catawba Lands Conservancy, and
C. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute all documents necessary to complete this transaction.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Monica Holmes, Planning, Design, and Development
Tim Porter, Planning, Design, and Development
Tara Moore, Planning, Design, and Development
Explanation
* The city was approached by Mecklenburg County to determine interest in acquiring these parcels for the Tree Canopy Preservation Program (TCPP). Many properties in this area were damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
* The parcels are located on Hart Road in Council District 2.
* The city is currently working to acquire several additional parcels along the Catawba River to preserve tree canopy in a high priority area and to assist in mitigating future flood risks. Mecklenburg County has also acquired properties in this area.
* The parcels are zoned N1-C (Neighborhood 1).
* The terms of the sale include:
* Purchase price of $601,000, including $35,000 earnest money deposit paid within ten business days of execution, and to be applied to the purchase price at closing;
* 60-day due diligence period; and
* 30 days to close.
* On December 16, 2025, the Planning Committee reviewed the proposed land acquisition and had no additional comments.
* The city may grant a conservation easement to the Catawba Lands Conservancy to ensure stewardship of the tree canopy and monitoring of the property in perpetuity. Catawba Lands Conservancy determines whether they would like to collaborate on an easement.
* This property will be reforested with high quality matur...
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