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Purchase of Right-of-Way for Transportation Enhancement Activities in Bainbridge Township

 

On March 10, 2006, the NOACA Governing Board approved the following regarding this project:
Resolution No. 2006-009 Project Planning Review
Resolution No. 2006-010 Plan and TIP Amendment

Title:  Purchase Right-of-Way for Transportation Enhancement Activities in Bainbridge Twp
Sponsor:  Bainbridge Township
Estimated Total Cost: $1,900,000
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: SAFETEA-LU

 History/Background: Bainbridge Township is the sponsor of two Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) earmarks: 1) a House High Priority Projects (HHPP) Earmark No. 335 (Purchase of Right-of-Way for transportation enhancement activities) and 2) a portion of Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Earmark No.1096 (Purchase of Right-of-Way for transportation enhancement activities). Bainbridge Township intends to use the earmark funding to assist in completing the purchase of approximately 163 acres of property. 150 acres are located in Bainbridge Township. 13 acres are located in the City of Aurora in Portage County. The property was previously known as Centerville Mills Camp and owned by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for about 100 years until the Chagrin River Land Conservancy (CRLC) purchased it in 2003. Bainbridge Township has an agreement to buy the property from CRLC for $1,900,000.

Current Conditions:  The property is located at the northeast corner and southeast corners of the intersection of Chillicothe Road (SR-306) and Crackel Road. The property consists of 4 contiguous parcels of land occupying approximately 11-1/2 acres on the south side of Crackel Road in a predominantly residential area of Bainbridge Township. Access to the property is from Crackel Road. The west portion of the main campground of the property is bisected by a south-flowing tributary of the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River and has an elevation ranging from approximately 1,050 to 1,120 feet above sea level. There is a large pond (“Centerville Lake”) in the southwest corner of the main campground area. The stream also bisects the west parcel on the south side of Crackel Road. There is a waterfall on this parcel and the south end of the parcel has a relatively deep incised stream valley. The current uses of adjoining properties are primarily residential and vacant (undeveloped).

Proposed Project:  The township intends to use the earmark funding only for the purchase of property. The project sponsor shared the following:

The project is intended to preserve 160+ acres of land and thereby enhance a section of the SR-306 corridor in Bainbridge Township. This acquisition will slow the growth of urban sprawl and reduce the growth of traffic congestion in the area. The project will serve Bainbridge Township and surrounding communities as a park to be used for overnight camping, day camp in summer, fishing, hiking, athletics (soccer & baseball) sledding and cross country skiing in the winter, and other recreational activities. The township may spend additional funds to enhance the area by improving park uses for residents and others.

The township will pay the costs associated with title transfer, appraisal and other fees. The estimated total cost, provided by the sponsor, is $1,900,000. The total earmark (No. 335) is $1,152,000. An obligation limit of 91% ($1,048,320) has been applied to the earmark total. No obligation limit has been placed on the funds obtained from the TEA-21 earmark (No. 1096) of $245,000. The entire amount of $245,000 is available. Therefore, a combined total of $1,293,320 in earmark funding is available to the sponsor. Anything over $1,293,320 is the responsibility of the project sponsor.

Staff Comment (Summary):
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Team:
  • The sponsor must pay all costs over the obligation limit.
  • Advance to Committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments.


    • Plan Forecast Team:
  • Refer the project to the TransWac (Transportation Water Quality Council).


    • Committee Review:
    Transportation Water Quality Council (TransWac):
  • Use water quality best management practices (BMPs) with respect to active recreational uses on the park site. Retain, monitor and maintain the conservation easement.


    • Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee (RTIS)/Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC):
  • No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA's Transportation Plan and TIP.


    • Intergovernmental Review and Consultation (IGRC):
    If you are a representative of a governmental entity and would like to comment on this project, please e-mail us.

    Public Involvement:
    NOACA encourages comments from the public on this proposed transportation improvement project. Please notify us if you would like to be added to our e-mail notification list for future updates.