City seeks proposals for Delano land near new library

City officials are asking for proposals from developers for two sections of land in Delano.

But some say at least some of the land should be left as green space since so much of the area nearby is being developed.

The land – about four acres total – is to the south and southeast of the planned $33 million-plus library at Second and McLean and across from the River Vista apartment development on the river.

The District VI Advisory Board recently voted 7-3 to retain one of the sections – a triangle of land on McLean – as green space, particularly since the area along the river where apartments are being built is no longer open space.

“We heard from the Delano Neighborhood Association,” said Josef Hamilton, a member of the District VI Advisory Board. “They worked hard to build Delano to what it is today, making huge strides there. They want to be able to keep green space a public gathering space for people.

“We felt it was in their area and we wanted to side with the citizens there.”

Council member Janet Miller said the sites could remain spaces the public can use, just not publicly owned property.

Miller said at least one developer has expressed interest in the land.

With the new library and development nearby, value of the land will likely increase.

“Typically taxpayers don’t have interest in the city just holding on to property,” Miller said.

“They would rather us dispose of it for its highest and best use because eventually it would be going on the tax rolls, which is the idea, that it’s helpful for the taxpayer and the city.”

“But this is not a fire sale, so if we only get one proposal and it’s not advantageous, we’re not going to do it.”

Miller said the city will retain the right to accept or refuse any offer. The request for qualifications by the city will include developers creating paved pathways along old railroad beds where tracks have been removed, she said.

Troy Houtman, park and recreation director, said the city’s park board is hoping the design will support community gathering spaces.

“We’re always looking for green space,” Houtman said.

“We’ve thought of a meeting space or extension to the library for more activity — anything from a small concert venue to an over-the-top playground area. It’s just a matter of what’s the right fit.”

All options are on the table, Houtman said, including the city retaining the land but having it developed, or the city selling the land to a developer.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 5:53 PM with the headline "City seeks proposals for Delano land near new library."