Erie County delays vote on selling 13.8-acre parcel near Ed Fennell; council asks for appraisals, wetlands data and realtor input

Council members discussed an inquiry about selling roughly 13.8 acres adjacent to the former Ed Fennell (Pleasant Ridge East) site after a potential buyer expressed interest. The presenting member asked for authorization to obtain the two sealed appraisals required by the county administrative code; councilors instead recommended steps to preserve flexibility and community interests before committing funds for appraisals.

Members raised multiple concerns: a large portion of the tract includes wetlands that reduce usable acreage; subdivision of the parcel would be necessary to isolate a saleable portion and to create accurate appraisals; selling land is a one-time revenue event that removes a county asset; and the proximity of the Edna A. Hill Thomas Center means potential buyers or uses could affect vulnerable residents. Several councilors recommended engaging real-estate brokers for a market assessment or subdividing first so appraisals reflect clearly defined lots.

Speakers recalled earlier county efforts to appraise parcels and urged caution about pre-committing to a sale method. Some members said they would prefer a sealed-bid or public-auction approach and opposed private, pre-conditioned sales; others noted that if a bona fide buyer is willing to pay a premium in a public process, that would surface in sealed bids.

Outcome: council did not vote to fund appraisals immediately. Instead, members directed staff to gather additional information — including wetlands mapping, realtor input, potential subdivision configurations and zoning considerations — and to return the item to a future agenda after staff reports back.