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Council opts to retain small waterfront parcel at Hwy‑50/Lake Avenue for possible pocket park
Summary
Council voted 4–1 to retain a small, city‑owned parcel (about 6,300 sq ft) at the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Avenue for potential incorporation into downtown park improvements (string‑of‑pearls). The parcel was acquired after code enforcement and had been appraised at about $50,000.
The council voted 4–1 on June 24 to retain a small city‑owned parcel (about 6,300 square feet) at the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Avenue and to consider the lot as part of downtown park improvements during the budget process.
Staff explained the parcel was acquired in 2012 following code enforcement (the house on the lot had deteriorated), purchased at tax sale for about $7,000, and the most recent appraisal placed the market value near $50,000. Staff asked whether council wished to surplus the lot or retain it for city purposes.
Several council members argued the lot has value as a small public waterfront amenity and could be an affordable addition to the city’s parks network or a “string‑of‑pearls” downtown walkway/greenway. Other council members earlier had argued for selling underused city property; on this parcel council majorities said the small scale and lakefront location made it well suited to passive park use rather than immediate sale.
Ending: Council directed staff to include the parcel in parks planning and consider improvements during the budget cycle; staff will report back with options and estimated costs.
