Board discusses possible lot sales in Faren Township, plus a Third Street parcel; no action taken

Board members discussed two separate potential land dispositions that staff said could generate capital for repairs and future projects.

On rural parcels, staff presented a preliminary plan to lot roughly nine ~3-acre parcels on tax-forfeited land in Faren Township that have frontage on County Road 500. Staff said the parcels could be sold at market value, subject to shoreland restrictions on portions of some lots. Mary said the next step is to present the plan to Faren Township at its regular meeting and then return to the board at the end of May with recommended pricing and a sales process.

Board members discussed marketing approaches (local brokers vs. brokers from nearby markets), the flexibility of offering combined larger parcels, and the administrative process required for sale (platting, surveying and a public hearing to authorize disposition). No sale motion was requested at the meeting.

Separately, staff reported interest in a bare Third Street parcel purchased previously for $30,000. The parcel is zoned for commercial development and has outstanding assessment obligations from the street improvements; board members expressed interest in pursuing a sale by RFP or by setting a minimum price and conducting the required hearing. Staff will get market pricing and return to the board with the recommended path forward.

Both items drew general board support for exploring options but no formal approvals; staff will follow up with the township and produce pricing and process recommendations.