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Open Space committee reviews Cemetery Ridge parcel; price and slope limit feasibility
Summary
Committee members reviewed a privately held acreage known as Cemetery Ridge, discussed its $12.5 million asking price, steep slopes, limited development potential and recommended monitoring the parcel rather than an immediate acquisition given cost and access constraints.
Committee members discussed Cemetery Ridge, a privately held collection of parcels north and west of the cemetery that the committee described as roughly 72 acres and currently listed for $12.5 million. Staff and Glenn summarized topographic and code constraints — steep slopes, secondary access requirements and limitations under Midway’s sensitive‑lands rules — and said those factors substantially restrict development capacity and increase construction costs.
"He’s asking 12 and a half million for it," Glenn said when reviewing the MLS information; committee members noted land basis estimates and argued it may be more practical to monitor the parcel and maintain contact with the owner rather than mount an immediate acquisition campaign. The discussion weighed the long‑term value of preserving hillside views against the high purchase price and constrained unit yield under current zoning and slope rules.
No formal motion to pursue purchase was made; the committee agreed to keep Cemetery Ridge on the radar and to periodically contact the owner and explore possible conservation partners if the owner becomes open to negotiation.
