City closes on 153-acre Astute property; Polk County to reimburse $600,000 for conservation easement

Speaker 7 told commissioners the city closed this week on approximately 152.7–153 acres of environmentally sensitive land known as the Astute property on US 17 North (near Brigham Road) for $1,400,000. The city intends to steward the property for long-term ecological management and conservation.

Under an interlocal agreement with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Polk County agreed to reimburse $600,000 to the city in exchange for a recorded conservation easement; the county will hold and enforce the easement while the city will retain ownership and serve as primary land manager responsible for maintenance and stewardship. Speaker 5 reported the county executed the interlocal agreement and conservation easement at the county commission meeting and provided the fully executed originals to the city.

Speaker 7 noted the purchase adds to more than 500 acres of environmentally sensitive lands acquired by the commission in the prior 2½–3 years and said the conveyance and interlocal agreement formalize shared investment and long-term protection. Staff recommended the commission authorize the city manager to approve related documents at the next meeting so conveyance and reimbursement can be finalized.