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Council accepts donated 11 Andrews Street parcel after debate over back taxes
Summary
Council accepted a donation of a narrow parcel adjoining Columbus Park but rejected an amendment that would have made acceptance contingent on full payment of delinquent taxes; councilors discussed wetlands, back taxes (~$3,800) and park design implications.
The council authorized city staff to accept a donation of land at 11 Andrews Street to expand open space contiguous to Columbus Park.
Councilor Chad Cardillo described the lot as a long, thin strip of trees contiguous to the park and said the owner approached the city to donate it as open space. City Manager Bridal Daniels and others noted the parcel may abut wetlands, that parks staff support adding the land for additional green buffer space, and that staff would consult legal counsel about whether to subsume the parcel into the existing park lot.
Councilors debated whether acceptance should require payment in full of delinquent taxes. The deputy mayor moved an amendment making acceptance contingent on full payment of back taxes; the amendment failed on roll call. The clerk later announced the main motion to accept the donation passed (unanimous roll call recorded).
Council discussion included an estimate from the city attorney that taxes owed on the parcel are roughly $3,800 and an acknowledgement that some "orphan lots" are effectively uncollectible, which complicates a strict payment requirement. The city manager said negotiations will proceed and that legal and finance staff will pursue collection where feasible.
Next steps: city manager authorized to negotiate terms of transfer; the city attorney and staff will determine tax-collection options and whether the parcel should be combined with Columbus Park.
