County Land Sale to MDOT Gets Initial OK

Washtenaw County plans to sell a small strip of land along Washtenaw Avenue to the Michigan Dept. of Transportation, in a deal that was given initial approval by the county board of commissioners at their Sept. 19, 2012 meeting. MDOT has offered $16,500 for the land, plus an additional $2,500 for a sidewalk easement. A final board vote is expected on Oct. 3.

The land, near the county’s service center, is located at the intersection of Washtenaw and Hogback. MDOT plans to make improvements to the intersection, including the addition of right-turn lanes. The parcel contains 10,586 square feet, but 8,407 square feet of that is in the Washtenaw Avenue right of way and can’t be developed. A staff memo states that conversations with MDOT about this property have been “cordial,” but notes that the state holds the power of eminent domain and “could ultimately condemn these property interests, which would result in unnecessary attorney fees for both sides which would arise from such a legal action.”

This brief was filed from the boardroom in the county administration building, 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]