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Murray moves to surplus Jensen Lane parcel to assemble theater parking; council approves conveyance terms
Summary
Council held a public hearing and approved declaring a portion of city‑owned property at 440 W. Jensen Lane surplus so it can be conveyed (part cash + property exchange) to enable a property owner’s relocation and create parking for the Murray Theater.
Murray City council on Aug. 5 voted to declare a portion of property at approximately 440 West Jensen Lane surplus and approved terms to convey that parcel for less than full market value under Utah Code 10‑8‑2 so the city can assemble contiguous land for surface parking to support the Murray Theater.
Staff described the property as a partial parcel the city had previously acquired to build stormwater retention. Public Works concluded the entire parcel was not necessary for the retention pond, leaving a remainder that staff proposed to surplus. Chad Wilkinson said the city already owns adjacent parcels; acquiring the remaining lot will fill a gap and allow an integrated parking area east of the theater.
Wilkinson said the owner of the subject property is a willing seller and operates a plumbing business; the city negotiated a package that the owner favored: $600,000 in cash plus conveyance of an alternative city parcel appraised at $390,000 (total value $990,000). Wilkinson said comparable valley parcels of similar size had recent indications of market values between $1.3 million and $1.7 million, and the proposed combination allows the business to relocate within Murray while the city acquires needed theater parking at a below‑market net cash cost.
The council opened a public hearing required by state law (the “10‑8‑2” process) and received no public comment. Council members asked about timeline; staff said the purchase agreement includes a due‑diligence period (up to 60 days) and an additional 60 days to closing, meaning up to 120 days total from signing. Council members and staff said the arrangement supports downtown revitalization, theater operations, and business retention. The council approved the resolution declaring the property surplus and authorizing the conveyance by recorded vote (Miss Turner, Mr. Hawk, Mr. Pickett, Miss Cotter and Mr. Goodman voted aye). The resolution passed unanimously.
Staff said demolition and parking improvements are planned after closing; estimated schedule depends on the diligence and closing timeline.
