Title
An ordinance ordering a Special Election to be held on May 4, 2019, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City, for adoption or rejection, the question of whether to authorize the sale of approximately 171.393 acres of City park land located at 3811 South Belt Line Road, containing approximately 87.727 acres, and adjacent land located at 4600 Mercury Road, containing approximately 83.666 acres, the entirety of which is located in the City of Balch Springs, Dallas County, Texas.
Body
In 1994, the City of Mesquite purchased approximately 385 acres of property near the intersection of McKenzie Road and Faithon P. Lucas, Sr., Boulevard. The property was part of a foreclosure made by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). Nearly half of this property was located within the city limits of Balch Springs. The initial plan for the property was the development of a multisport athletic complex and other park uses. As development has progressed in the community and need for additional athletic fields has diminished, it was determined that all of the property was no longer needed for this purpose. Staff has previously briefed Council on options for this property and staff has been directed to pursue the sale of the portion of property within the city limits of Balch Springs. There is significant property remaining within the Mesquite City Limits for future park/city use.
The original purchase of this property was made with Park Bonds and state law requires that any property purchased in this manner that is sold, must dedicate any proceeds from the sale toward other park projects. It is staff's intent to direct these funds toward development of parks and trails in the Creek Crossing area.
Additionally, when the property was purchased through HUD, restrictions were placed on the property limiting its use to the City of Mesquite or Mesquite ISD. The City is working with HUD to remove these restrictions to allow the sale of the...
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