Title
Ordinance No. 17-65 amending Ordinance No. 16-116 (2017 Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Fund (Open Space Category) in the Amount of $580,000 for the Acquisition of Approximately 85.61 Acres of Real Property Known as the Kyle Property for Expansion of Corral Bluffs Open Space
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Sarah Bryarly, Interim Parks Development Manager - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
On April 1, 1997, an initiated ordinance implementing a sales tax for trails, open space and parks (TOPS) was approved by a vote of the citizens of Colorado Springs. This tax went into effect on July 1, 1997. In 2003 this ordinance was amended to extend the TOPS sales tax through 2025. The TOPS Working Committee is responsible for setting priorities and making recommendations for the expenditures of TOPS funds. The TOPS Working Committee has identified the 85.61-acre Kyle property (Property), located adjacent to the Corral Bluffs Open Space as having open space values that merit preservation. Acquisition of the Property would serve as an extension of the Corral Bluffs Open Space / Jimmy Camp Creek area.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks and open spaces. TPL has previously partnered with the City's TOPS Program, enabling the acquisition and preservation of several key open spaces including Ute Valley Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Stratton Open Space, and the Bluestem Open Space. TPL recently approached the Kyle family to determine their interest level in selling the property for public use. TPL has facilitated the discussions regarding the sale of the Property to the City for open space purposes.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The Property, currently owned by Monty and Latroy Kyle (Sellers), mor...
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