Council accepts title to Southward and Northwood parks from North Adams Community Schools

Decatur City Council voted to accept ownership of two park parcels formerly held by North Adams Community Schools.

City staff reported that during recent grant and redevelopment planning the city discovered the parcels used as Southward Park and Northwood Park were still titled to the school district. Staff said the North Adams Community Schools board approved transferring ownership and title of those parcels to the city.

"The school board approved transferring ownership and transferring title to those parcels, to the city of Decatur," a staff member said during the meeting. Council members moved to accept title to Southward Park and then to Northwood Park; both motions were seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff indicated the next steps are to draft deeds and obtain signatures to place the parcels formally under city site control. Councilors did not record additional conditions on the transfers in the segments provided.

The transfers are intended to clarify site control ahead of redevelopment and grant applications for park improvements.