Title
A Resolution authorizing a land exchange between the City of Colorado Springs and High Valley Land Company, Inc. ("High Valley") and acknowledging acceptance of a donation of approximately 346.24 acres of land to be held and administered as part of the Trails, Open Space And Parks ("TOPS") Program
Presenter:
Britt I. Haley, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Nominee
Body
Summary:
This property exchange proposal involves a significant conservation property donation of 352.32 acres by High Valley Land Company ("HVL") to the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program, a sale of a 4.71-acre site owned by HVL to the Colorado Springs Fire Department for a fire station, and a sale of 44.82 acres of the Larry Ochs Sports Complex property to HVL with a time limited option for HVL to purchase the remaining approximately 13 acres at that site for fair market value at a future date. In accord with the City's Real Estate Procedures Manual, this type of transaction is characterized as a property exchange because the parties are the same for the multiple real estate transactions.
Background:
Although the City's Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales and use tax program has been in place for 25 years, the proposed open space donation of 352.32 acres would be the first TOPS land acquisition to occur in the northeast quadrant of the city, which borders the Black Forest area. Northern Colorado Springs is quickly urbanizing to meet the demands of a growing population. The State Demography Office predicts that the population of El Paso County will surpass that of Denver County by 2050, with much of the development occurring in the north and eastern regions of El Paso County. This 352.32-acre Kettle Creek and Pine Creek Habitat Project could set the stage for additional strategic investments by TOPS to build a legacy of open space and greenways in the northeast quadrant of the city.
The habitat parcels offer outstanding views of Pikes Peak and ...
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