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Committee backs purchase agreement for 128 acres north of Bloomer Park; Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to fund river restoration
Summary
Facilities staff presented a signed purchase agreement to acquire 128 acres near Bloomer Park and the Clinton River; the county will pay $1.5 million after a $300,000 donation from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, and a river restoration project is planned.
Oakland County facilities staff and commissioners voted to recommend a purchase agreement for a 128-acre parcel in Rochester that lies between Bloomer Park and the Clinton River, approving a recommendation to the board that advances acquisition and a funded river restoration.
Melissa, facilities staff, told the committee the county has a signed purchase agreement with Lehi Corporation for the 128-acre parcel and that the purchase price equals the appraised value: $1,800,000. She said the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC) has pledged $300,000 toward the acquisition; staff said GLFC will fully fund a planned river-restoration project on county land next year estimated at about $1.5 million to address a channel bypass that risks allowing sea lamprey into upper reaches of the river.
Melissa said the property offers riverfront access adjacent to the Clinton River Trail and Bloomer Park and that county plans are limited to trails, boardwalks and limited river access for nonmotorized recreation. She told commissioners the county will not acquire a dam on the parcel; the private dam that prompted discussion is owned by a neighboring property owner (the Yates family) and sits to the south of the parcel.
Staff said the purchase agreement would leave the county’s out-of-pocket cost at about $1,500,000 after the GLFC donation. Commissioners asked about due diligence; staff confirmed a full Phase I environmental assessment is planned and other standard due-diligence actions are under way. Commissioner Taylor moved the recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved on a 5-0 vote.
If the acquisition proceeds, staff said the county intends to accept the parcel into the park system with no development beyond trails and natural-resource restoration; staff suggested a working name of Clinton River Oaks for the property. The recommendation now goes to the full board for final approval and completion of due diligence and closing steps.
