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Board publishes inventory of county properties as potential affordable‑housing sites, excludes one wetlands parcel
Summary
Pursuant to the state Live Local Act, Clay County adopted an inventory of fee‑simple county parcels considered appropriate for affordable housing but excluded a 26‑acre Sunset Avenue (Boyd) parcel because of wetlands and access constraints; the board approved the inventory with the exclusion and clarified that properties remain subject to further review.
The Clay County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution to publish an inventory of county‑owned real property that staff deems appropriate for potential use as affordable housing, in compliance with the state’s Live Local Act. Staff reviewed county property holdings and presented an exhibit listing surplus parcels that could be sold, leased or donated (with reverter or deed restrictions) for affordable‑housing development.
Commissioners debated the inclusion of a large Boyd Educational Nature Park parcel off Sunset Avenue (about 26 acres). Staff and planning clarified the parcel contains wetlands and has poor vehicular access; the deed includes a provision requiring proceeds to be donated to an art institution, and staff said mitigation and access costs make it unsuitable for immediate housing development. At the board’s request, the Sunset Avenue parcel (the Boyd parcel) was excluded from the adopted inventory. The board accepted the remainder of the staff‑recommended list and noted the resolution is amendable — properties may be added or removed later by board action.
County attorney/counsel explained next steps: if a private developer or nonprofit approaches the county seeking a parcel for affordable housing, the county could sell, lease or donate the parcel subject to statutory conditions, deed restrictions and reverter clauses to ensure long‑term affordability (e.g., 30‑year affordability covenants as discussed). Staff noted some parcels were previously offered for sale on govdeals without interest and that suitability will be buyer‑driven and subject to due diligence.
The board voted to adopt the inventory with the specific exclusion of the Sunset Avenue (Boyd) parcel by unanimous vote (5–0). Staff will post the inventory to the county website as required and will coordinate with planning and potential partners for follow‑up inquiries.
