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Council reviews city-owned parcels and options to surplus or vacate rights-of-way
Summary
City staff mapped Lowell-owned parcels including a 1-acre water-tower site, Sunridge Park (3.09 acres donated in 2015), a rail-trail corridor, cemetery land and several drainage parcels; staff flagged parts of Sunridge Park, a Wetleau corner and the Birch Street right-of-way as likely candidates for surplus or vacation and will return with recommendations.
City Administrator Max Baker presented an overview of city-owned parcels and potential options for surplus sales or right-of-way vacations at the Nov. 4 work session, showing maps and identifying sites that have drawn citizen interest.
Baker described the portfolio, including a one-acre water-tower parcel at the top of First Street; Sunridge Park (3.09 acres, donated by the Nelsons in 2015); a former railroad corridor now a nature trail; drainage parcels below the Wetleau subdivision; multiple lots at Rolling Rock Park; the Birch Street right-of-way; cemetery property in the northeast; the old city hall campus (listed for sale); the Carroll and D Street storm drainage sites; the Rockcrest stormwater basin; and North Damon Street and its associated drainage areas.
Baker said residents have expressed interest in parts of Sunridge Park (one resident discussed creating a playground; others sought adjacent purchases or encroachment rights), a cash offer was made for a small corner at Wetleau and West Boundary, and adjacent owners who maintain the Birch Street right-of-way have inquired about vacating North Damon Street. He outlined the required processes: declaring surplus and following the public property-sale process, or pursuing a right-of-way vacation that requires a 30-day notice. In an ideal scenario he estimated roughly 60 days from offer to closing.
Council discussed the potential benefits—reduced maintenance obligations and revenue generation—while Baker said the city would retain necessary access to utilities and infrastructure if properties were sold. He said he would return with specific recommendations focused on the cemetery property, the Wetleau corner and the Birch Street right-of-way.
