Title
Acquisition of Real Property from Arizona State Land Department for Phoenix Sonoran Preserve (Ordinance S-46467)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to acquire real property voluntarily from Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), at a purchase price and upon such other terms as are established at ASLD's public auction, for the Sonoran Preserve for Mountain Preserve purposes to be designated as "Mountain Preserve" in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XXVI of the City Charter. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Further request the City Council to grant an exception pursuant to Phoenix City Code 42-20 to authorize inclusion in the documents pertaining to this transaction of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions that otherwise would be prohibited by Phoenix City Code 42-18, as ASLD's form documents include such provisions.
Report
Summary
The purpose of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is to protect and preserve Phoenix's natural Sonoran desert vegetation and mountain preserves. Acquisition of the 470-acre parcel will complement the existing mountain preserve system by completing a connection between the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and Cave Buttes Recreation Area in northern Phoenix. Additionally, the acquisition will expand the City's system of outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, while preserving the natural desert habitat for wildlife in the area.
The real property included in this request is an unassessed parcel owned by ASLD located south of Sonoran Desert Drive, west of Cave Creek Road.
Financial Impact
Funding for this project is available in the Phoenix Park and Preserve Capital Improvement Program utilizing Phoenix Parks and Preserves Initiative (PPPI) funding.
Location
Located south of Sonoran Desert Drive, west of Cave Creek Road.
Council District: 2
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was discussed at the Feb. 19, 2020 Land Use and Livability Subcommittee meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Acting Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the Parks and Recreation and Finance departments.