Council discusses sale of 10 acres at Pine Street Park, flags drain and easement concerns

City of Tonawanda staff and councilors on Nov. 18 discussed a proposed sale of 10 acres at Pine Street Park after reviewing a letter of intent for a sports-and-recovery facility. Staff told the council the purchase price in the proposal was $30,000 per acre — the amount the council had set — but flagged a dispute over what portion of the 10 acres should be considered "usable."

Council members raised specific concerns about acreage affected by drainage ponds, power-line easements and right-of-way. One councilor asked whether the buyer would be required to pay for acreage that cannot be developed because of an existing drainage pond or utility easement; staff said the applicant was proposing to pay only for usable acres and that the city must negotiate and clarify that point in the contract.

City staff said some areas of the parcel have been used as a parking lot in the past, while other portions include drainage features and power lines that would limit development. The staff update described plans for an athletic facility with outdoor lighting and recovery/wellness spaces, and said the city will prepare an amended resolution and contract language to ensure the sale price reflects only usable acreage.

Staff also reported that title insurance and a few outstanding items remain for a separate Simmer Springs/Spauldingville transaction; they plan to file a resolution at the next meeting authorizing the mayor to sign closing documents.

Councilors directed staff to clarify the definition of "unused" or "unusable" acreage and to return with amended resolution language. No final sale was adopted on Nov. 18; council members said they would continue negotiating terms and bring a contract back for approval.