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Ocoee staff to seek appraisal after TNXL Academy offers to buy Sorensen Fields, Ison Center parcel
Summary
Assistant City Manager Root presented a TNXL Academy letter of intent to buy about 10.2 acres including Sorensen Fields and part of the Ison Center; TNXL offered $2.2 million and proposed up to $900,000 to turf replacement fields at Vignetti Park. The commission authorized staff to obtain an independent appraisal and return with options.
The Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday agreed to authorize staff to obtain an independent appraisal and continue evaluating a letter of intent from TNXL Academy to purchase city-owned recreational parcels, after a debate over whether the city should sell land it currently owns.
Assistant City Manager Root described the LOI as covering roughly 10.2 acres that include the Sorensen Fields (two junior/senior fields) and a parcel adjacent to the Ison Center that contains a building TNXL constructed under lease. Root said TNXL has leased and used the fields since at least July 2019 and has invested in capital improvements, including artificial turf and infield work.
Root said the packet included two appraisals: the Sorensen Fields with Sorensen Lane was appraised at $675,000 and the Ison Center parcel with buildings and improvements at $2,300,000. Root said TNXL’s LOI offered a $2.2 million purchase price and proposed up to $900,000 in improvements to create replacement turf, lighting and junior/senior fields at Vignetti Park while preserving field access for city use during construction.
"As part of the lease, they had constructed a building on property and have been paying lease payments since that time," Root said. "TNXL is proposing in this LOI to purchase the property from the city."
Several commissioners expressed concern about selling land the city owns. One commissioner said the city should retain a long-term stake rather than sell outright and proposed exploring a joint-venture or long-term arrangement to preserve public access and control. Other commissioners supported moving forward with staff-led negotiations but requested an independent appraisal and more detail on how replacement fields and ADA upgrades at Central Park and Vignetti would be funded and timed.
Commissioner Kennedy moved and Commissioner Oliver seconded a motion to authorize staff to obtain an independent appraisal and proceed with evaluation; the commission approved the motion and asked staff to return with a draft purchase-and-sale agreement and recommendations.
Root said staff will continue negotiations and bring back a land-purchase agreement with specific terms, conditions and any required covenants to protect public-use elements.
No sale or purchase agreement was executed at the meeting; the commission’s action authorized additional study, appraisal and contract drafting.
