Erie County discusses appraisals and subdivision before possible sale of parcel next to Ed Fennell center

Erie County council members discussed whether to explore selling up to roughly 10 acres of a 13.8‑acre parcel adjacent to the Ed Fennell center (Pleasant Ridge East), but they did not authorize a sale. Instead, members debated whether the county should first subdivide the parcel, obtain broker input, complete environmental/wetlands studies, and verify zoning before paying for sealed appraisals required by administrative code.

Staff described an interested party with prior experience in local economic development and asked the council for authorization to obtain two sealed appraisals to establish a market value. Several council members urged caution: wetlands may reduce usable acreage, subdivision can change value, pre‑conditioning a sale could be legally problematic, and selling county land is a one‑time revenue source that removes a long‑term asset from the tax base.

Council members asked staff to consider the neighbors and vulnerable residents at the Ed Fennell center and requested the potential buyer, if identified, present publicly rather than conducting a private preselection. Some members said they would prefer to subdivide first so appraisals reflect a defined parcel, while others suggested engaging a broker for a preliminary valuation discussion before committing to sealed appraisals to avoid wasted expense.

Decision: the committee did not authorize an immediate sale or appraisal payment. Members asked staff to gather more information — including zoning, wetlands scope, and broker input — and to return with options, including the costs and the possible need to subdivide before appraisal.

Next steps: staff to consult realtors and environmental/zoning reviews and bring detailed recommendations back to the committee before any appraisal contract is executed.