Just shy of the one-third mark of a 30-year millage approved by voters in 2003, the
Ann Arbor Greenbelt, a program to acquire open-space parks and development rights on farmland in eight townships ringing the city of Ann Arbor, has already exceeded its initial goal. The greenbelt now has over 4,100 acres of land within its boundaries.
"Actually, in 2006 when we did some projections we were thinking, given the prices at the time and everything, that over the life of the millage we'd only be able to do around 4-5,000, so we've exceeded that estimate now, with protecting over 4,000," says Ginny Trocchio, program manager for the Ann Arbor Greenbelt.
In December of 2012, the city completed several deals, including a purchase of development rights easement for $126,867 on the VanNatter farm in Webster Township, a parcel of about 20 acres. The purchase was also subsidized by a landowner donation. This parcel is situated on Joy Road and is part of an 1,100-acre block of farmland that is already protected.
The city also closed other purchase of development rights deals at year-end, one for $229,320 on the 136-acre Robert Schultz property in Superior Township, another in the amount of $167,580 for the 90-acre Robbin Alexander farm in Webster Township, and the 73-acre Hornback farm in Salem Township for $199,367, plus other funds from Salem Township.
Many of the purchases are assisted by grant funding from the USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. The city is readying to apply for more grant funds in early March, Trocchio says.
Source: Ginny Trocchio, program manager for the Ann Arbor Greenbelt;
Ann Arbor City Council
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar
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