Syracuse's plan to sell off property not paying off so far

SYRACUSE -- An initiative to allow the city to divest itself of small pieces of property isn't showing a lot of profit, but it is still expected to have a favorable impact on the city coffers.

During a recent work session, Michael Eggett, director of economic development, gave an update on a move to sell 12 city properties, and said the response should net more than the costs of putting the properties up for sale.

City officials have received bids on four of the 12 properties, totaling $6,750.

It cost the city $6,000 to have the properties appraised, so the big gain for the city is expected to come in shifting maintenance costs for the parcels to private landowners.

Staff has estimated the city could save from $6,000 to $8,000 a year in maintenance and staff time by divesting themselves of the small parcels.

Directed by City Manager Bob Rice to do a thorough review of all city-owned property, officials from the community development department identified 12 small parcels of property throughout the city, mostly at entrances to subdivisions, that potentially could be sold.

While the properties up for sale are mostly small, city officials may have bigger things on the horizon on the issue.

In December, the city council approved step one of a process to look at the possibility of selling a portion of Jensen Park, which could potentially be impacted by the North Davis Corridor.

If the process were to come to fruition, the city could sell a parcel south of the proposed corridor route. The parcel is at approximately 1375 West and 3700 South.

Rice counseled council members that the process would be a long one and the vote simply authorized city staff to initiate the process. He said any negotiations for the property would be done in future executive sessions and then finalized in a public session.

Even though the park property hasn't been put up for sale, officials initiated the question of how any potential funds from the sale would be used. There has been discussion about putting any revenue back into a fund for other parks in the city.