Wayne County committee tables proposed Westland parkland purchase after questions on taxes, ownership and price

The Wayne County Committee on Public Services on July 8 tabled a proposed purchase of about 1.47 acres at 8004 North Farmington Road in Westland after commissioners raised questions about delinquent property taxes, unclear ownership and a negotiated sale price above a recent appraisal.

Gregory Hurst, director of facilities management and planning, told the committee the parcel sits adjacent to roughly 9.88 acres the county previously bought and “is kind of the last puzzle piece for the county to have continuous ownership of that particular area of Hines Park.” Hurst said the property would connect to an on-site pedestrian bridge and could provide access to the park.

Elizabeth Isler, chief of planning, parks, said county planners see the purchase primarily as protecting park borders and preserving future trail and access options. “From a parks perspective, that’s the main reason,” she said, adding the existing house on the parcel is a “bonus” that could be repurposed if later planning and budgeting allow.

Commissioners pressed staff about the price, title and unpaid taxes. The committee was told the county negotiated a $499,000 sale price, with closing costs not to exceed $50,000, and that a third-party appraisal conducted earlier in 2024 valued the parcel at $440,000. County counsel (Felicia) told the committee an investigation of tax records found earlier years had been paid before a prior forfeiture action but that taxes for 2022 and 2023 remain unpaid and the parcel is currently in forfeiture. “There are delinquent property taxes on the parcel,” counsel said.

Counsel also flagged uncertainty in recent deed records and the purchase agreement: the deed reviewed by staff listed a single owner, but the proposed purchase agreement named multiple individuals. A committee speaker said that discrepancy “needs to be clarified before we move forward with this agreement.”

Commissioners also questioned urgency and long-term plans. One commissioner noted the county considered acquiring the adjacent acreage years ago and said market conditions appear to have driven the price higher since then. Staff said the department monitors properties adjacent to the park and commissioned a formal appraisal to confirm current market value; they characterized the acquisition as not an immediate necessity but as one the county wanted to track so the parcel would not be sold to an outside owner.

Given the outstanding questions — title clarity, delinquent taxes and a higher negotiated price relative to the appraisal — Commissioner Hemlock moved to “pass for the day” (table the item). The committee approved the motion; the meeting record shows an abstention by Commissioner Baydon. Staff said the purchase agreement includes standard due-diligence provisions (title review, environmental studies and opportunities to renegotiate or withdraw if issues are found) and that outstanding taxes and utility charges would be the seller’s responsibility under the agreement.

The item will return to the committee in a future meeting after staff completes title checks, tax follow-up and other due diligence.