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Ordinance Making a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $1,000,000 to the Parks and Recreation Capital Projects Fund for the Acquisition of Real Property Suitable for the Development of a New Park
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Department: |
City Manager |
Meeting Date: |
2/3/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Dennis LaCaria |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-765-0206 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance |
PURPOSE:
This Ordinance appropriates funding that will allow the City to pursue the acquisition of real property suitable for the development of a new park and recreation amenities, in partnership with New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wilmington’s Strategic Plan FY 25-30 highlights vibrant neighborhoods that connect current and future residents to the places they live, work, and play. It also supports implementing the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (Create a Thriving, Inclusive, and Affordable Community of Neighborhoods, Objectives 2 and 3).
A main goal of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan is to acquire approximately 120 total acres of additional land to meet the community's current and future recreational needs. However, opportunities to acquire large, undeveloped tracts of land or groups of parcels are often rare, short-lived, and can be very expensive.
A potentially suitable property totaling approximately 25 acres, located at 6325, 6335, 6341, and 6345 Greenville Loop Road, has been identified in an area that is currently lacking major park amenities. However, its estimated cost exceeds what the City can currently afford alone. Through a partnership with New Hanover County and grant funding through the New Hanover Community Endowment, the City could potentially secure the purchase of this valuable land with a $1,000,000 contribution toward the anticipated total price of $9,750,000 million.
Time is of the essence for securing funding commitments from the City’s partners for this project. However, if the City is unable to reach a final agreement with New Hanover County or the New Hanover Community Endowment, then the purchase of this property would be canceled without financial penalty to the City.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
The total budget impact for this acquisition would be $1,000,000 from the General Fund’s Fund Balance
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the Ordinance is recommended